Crossed off the list 3 October, 2012
Last Tuesday, October 2nd, I celebrated the last of my twenty-something birthdays here in Antigonish, away from all my friends and family in Australia (yes, I seriously am that old…). Seeing as though I have only been here in Canada for just over a month, I was expecting to spend my 29th birthday alone, or at least just having a quiet dinner with the new man in my life (which we did). What I did not expect was the amazing, surprising, freaking-out-of-this-world birthday celebrations that my Canadian girlfriends had (secretly) organised me for the following night!
Ready to go to my birthday party!
I was summoned to the local pub with the instructions to dress up (which I gladly did – such a nice change from the usual jeans and Havaianas I normally wear), and upon my arrival was gobsmacked to discover a mini birthday party set up just for me. I was showered with smiles, hugs a million, beautiful gifts, the best birthday cake ever, and a tiara ceremoniously perched upon my head (a super-girly tradition for birthdays here, as I discovered). As all my wonderful new friends gathered around, lit the candles on the cake, and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me, I was overwhelmed by their love, thoughtfulness, and kindness. These are people who have only known me for such a short time, yet have so openly welcomed me into their lives and hearts, and put so much effort into making sure my birthday was a special one. I was so touched by their obvious effort and friendship that I couldn’t help but shed a tear.
Best birthday cake ever!
As I leaned over my cake to blow out the candles to a chorus of “Make a wish, Shanny!”, I closed my eyes and just wished for what was in my heart:
I wish to always be as happy as I am in this very moment, surrounded by love, joy, and friendship. I wish to always follow my heart, and to live a shiny, shimmering, sparkling life filled with hope, love, and promise. To always be me and be true to myself. To let my spirit soar and follow my feet and heart wherever they may take me in this big, wide world. I wish to always be grateful for the love and joy in my life and never forget the kindness of the people who put the magic into my life.
And through that beautiful act of kindness and compassion, my new Canadian friends gave me the ultimate birthday gift – a chance to make one of my dreams come true and cross a milestone off my list whist surrounded by more joy, acceptance, and togetherness than any traveller in a foreign land could possibly feel when so very far from home…
To all of you (you know who you are), I thank you from the very bottom of my heart – you will always be a special part of my journey…
Special moments with the amazing new souls in my world…so blessed xxx
let your joy rise 