I grew up in a family where birthdays are celebrated in the most simple way, no extravagant parties, no expensive gifts. I remember Mama would grow a chick to share for my birthday or someone's birthday in the family and it's usually paired with her ever delicious bam-i then she'll take the birthday celebrant to church or just go to church and lit a candle by herself if the celebrant is not available. The food is shared over lunch or dinner usually and it's been a tradition that the kids would always make birthday cards, I miss those a lot! In our family we love making greeting cards for any occasion. I also remember that when the clock strikes midnight the cellphone would be so busy with all the birthday greetings, it's like your family and friends are in some kind of race as to who greets you first which feels amazing!
This year my birthday celebration was different since I'm already in France, my first birthday outside of the Philippines. No I never had a fancy celebration in an expensive restaurant but it was more special than that. My Fabrice, no matter how tired he was, got up from a short nap just to prepare my birthday dinner. He would have wanted to take me out but I opted to stay at home, it's more special...just the two of us over a birthday dinner with a glass of wine (a very good wine mind you!). So, since we were just at home he decided to cook a very special meal which is supposed to be for Christmas, a crayfish with a special very delicious sauce! He never wanted me to help, he just asked me to stay foot and wait......spoiling me on my birthday = happy me!
Then he told me to call Mama and who ever I want in the Philippines which is another very special gift. He simply knows how to make me happy, like always! So I phoned Mama, we talked for some fifteen minutes and now I'm scared to think about the telephone bill and I also called one of my best friends, Lorin, it was quick but enough to make me happy. I was smiling when Fabrice thanked Mama for baring the labor pains twenty-eight years ago and for Papa too because it took both of them to make a baby...hehe...
Back to the dinner, it was perfectly ready on time. Fabrice set up a candle light dinner at our balcony which is super duper romantic! We had a bottle of Sauternes for the aperitif, the crayfish as the main dish with a bottle of Reisling white wine and my favorite ever fondant au chocolat! Everything was perfect! When I was talking to Mama she said something that I totally agree and which is totally true "the best birthday gift Pangga is the good health and a very good husband"! What more can I ask for?
I thank God for all the blessings, the love and care I receive from family and good friends even if most of them are so far. I still received some text messages from my loved once too, it just feels so nice when people remember and most importantly, I thank God for giving me such a wonderful and loving husband! It was indeed a happy birthday!!!!
