Can I tell you about one of my best birthday gifts...the wee story is beautiful???


Poppie

I'm kneeling right down by your legs Poppie, sitting on my haunches. Where's my cuddly bear? Tell us a story, tell us a story!

I have hated my birthdays since as far back as I could remember… as a child they were none events for reasons of poverty and neglect. I quickly learned to keep my head down and my mouth shut.
Even when I left my home town for Belfast. I remained reluctant to divulge my birthday…most people just knew that I was a wee Piscean and that was that. When the dreaded at drew nearer..I would hibernate and hold up in the bedroom of my home..not answering the phone, nor the door….eventually people got the message.

I was not long dating Celtic when my 35h birthday was to come around. I told her that I wanted no fuss whatsoever. Just a little card would suffice. Celtic, being Celtic was curious as to why I was so adverse to any kind of acknowledgements concerning my birthday and I recounted several sad and pathetic tales of why I felt so.

I trusted that on imparting this information that she would respect how I felt and keep it all low key.

On the eve of this day, she took me over to her flat for the evening…then around 9 in the eve. made her excuses to go and help a friend in distress…I was cool with this! She returned, looking somewhat pleased….and I thought that she had helped out where she could and therefore was happy as a result. We ate some nice food, listened to some great music, chatted and went of to bed to snuggle down just about 20 mins before 12pm. We chatted softly and I marvelled at the fact that Celtic had been so good in respecting how I felt re my birthday.

At ten after 12, Celtic reached under the bed and presented me with a card and a little box. I was only too happy to receive both gifts and when I opened the box…it revealed a single stone engagement ring.

I read my card…filled with sweet beautiful words like kisses…those soft brow kisses that say everything is alright. I cried soft sad tears and slept like a baby thereafter.

On the morn of my birthday, Celtic fussed with breakfast….and we were to leave for my house soon as my neighbourhood a gift for me…’sure why not se it different his year’ sang Celtic as we left for the short drive to my home. I remember singing happily…’and I’m feeling good’…quite despite myself…because I was!!!!

We arrive at mine. I dutifully opened the door and with my impeccable Manners invited Celtic in first….she declined. with a comment such as ‘age before beauty’, this had me giggling at her cheek!!

When I walked down the hall…I remember turning and looking at Celtic and thinking, ‘what is she up to?’

I opened my sitting room door…and wow…..I was blown away…the room was adorned top to toe with balloons, streamers, huge happy birthday signs…gold’s and silvers…cards and a big, big stack of pressies!!!

I couldn’t believe the effort hat Celtic and my neighbour had put in to making that day special.
There were chocolates, beautiful gifts in more beautiful paper…cards from all my family(which was rare…but Celtic had been on the ball on that score)..I was overcome…but in a great way…and of course I indulged in my dearest passion, tears rightly so.

Celtic then suggested that I go to my bedroom to grab some overnight stuff for another night at her flat. I obliged again and when I entered my room….my bed was adorned with even more gifts!!!
I just sat on the floor and cried some more. I opened some more gifts…but the best gift of all that day was the pair of pyjama’s with “truly, madly, deeply” written on the top….sure, wasn’t it my all-time favourite movie with Juliet Stevenson and Rick ‘whateverhisnameis’.

It made me look at so many poignant things…all people were not as I had experienced throughout…and this little Celtic dream..Knows’how to make dreams come true.

I will never forget that day..and none shall surpass it as it was my first birthday, just as Celtic is my first and only love

Poppie

Poppie,
What a great story!You are loved! I think that is one of the best stories I've heard about birthdays! I am a Pisces too and I had sad birthdays as a child. I'd love such a day!
Thanks for sharing,
dancer

What a romantic story Poppie. Gifts out of love are the best gifts of all.

Am I allowed another favourite gift.
It was again hand made.My Uncle made a dolls house for his daughter who was older.Fitted with lights and really lovely.One dark night I saw a "man" carrying a house on his shoulders when I was behind the curtains quiet as a mouse.I was so sure he was Santa that I kept my secret.So Christmas came and I got the refurbished house..I said it was just like Lily's and that Santa was clever.I never told I saw this arriving.And not till later found out that it was indeed Lilys.
This house was passed on and then on my Fiftieth birthday my daughter gave me another.This I filled and recently gave it to the Childrens hospice.One day I shall get another and do the same...
Uncle looked like a giant carrying a real house and made that Christmas magic.
Mountain ash

I think the gifts I was blessed with and the goodness shown allowed me to develop the sense of giving as an act of love.
Also that children need and thrive on kind actions.parties can be put together easily and picnics and special days.
One neigbour took me to the circus and I have never forgotten how nice it was to be included.
A book passed on because its been enjoyed or buying a book that you know will help someone on their journey.Thats what working and having my own income allowed.
Mountain ash

So simple...so basic but when I was really little my Mom loved making handmade dolls, etc. I still have this poor little silly doll made from my dad's old sock with yarn hair and felt eyes and buttons down the front. We're growing old together and I treasure it so deeply now.

I wish I still had my old dolls.