Life begins...

My very dearest D

I find words so inadequate to convey the breadth and depth of emotion between us. And today of all days I find I want you to know, to be clear, how much you mean to me and how much good stuff I wish for you.

I remember once, in a film I think, hearing it said that part of the reason our key relationships are so vital to our well-being is that in our shared history we feel we have someone who witnesses and therefore can bear witness to our lives. Certainly when I think of all the most significant moments in my life, you are a part of way more of those than not. Even when you are not around physically, you inhabit one of the four core chambers of my heart and are with me constantly. I turn to you first to share my deepest and most vulnerable thoughts and feelings. You are where I seek a voice of comfort, calm and reason, and where I find constant, unwavering support, and happy companionship. And no-one, no-one, is a better shopping partner. Others may be good, even great, but you are the best. And this is an art not to be taken lightly.

For all the years of my life that I remember, and in all the ways that count, you are one of my key witnesses. And I like to think this runs both ways: that I am, in some ways if not all, a significant witness to yours. We've travelled this path of sisterhood and friendship together for close to half a century (can you believe it?!) so now, today, as you stand on the brink of this new decade in your history, what witness can I bear to you and to your life?

And this is where words begin to fail me. Because how do I adequately describe it, you? Of the four of us, you most closely resemble our mother - beautiful inside and out. And, need I mention your legs and feet? You two are very alike in many ways and I think it's the reason you are so close, and the reason you sometimes spark off each other as you do. But in all the very best of ways you have learnt from her, honed, and now embody with your own style and flair, the lessons of unconditional and maternal love she's always taught us by example. You have been through some unimaginable challenges and held your course, maintained your purpose and your integrity. The welling up of joy and pride I feel when I observe you with your children - your patience, the love that shines in every word and gesture - is indescribable. Even when, in those more challenging moments of having a two and a five year old, where I know I would be needing to leave the room, you seem to find a way to express the limits lovingly. I cannot imagine anyone better suited to being a mother, with all the responsibilities of care that role requires. You do it with strength and you do it with grace, as you do all things. I am in awe.

Beauty, love, strength and grace. That's what I see when I look at you and consider your life to this point. So I don't think it would be true to say that life is beginning for you now. You have already lived a full and meaningful one. More so than many who have lived twice as long and more than some will ever live. But it is true that a new chapter is beginning for you, a new phase, more than just the start of a new decade. And I wish for you today, and every day, all that you could ever dream of for yourself and more. And I wish that I might be there, beside you. To bear witness.

I love you. Happy Birthday!
K ~x~ ~o~