Happy Birthday To Me

            Yesterday was extremely bittersweet for me. And no, the fact that I am one year closer to the big 3-0 had nothing to do with the fact that it was bittersweet. I actually think that being able to celebrate another birthday, no matter what age, is extremely exciting. Life is too short and you never know whether you will get that opportunity to celebrate another wonderful year.

            It was bittersweet because I have spent every single birthday for the past 27 years with my family and friends back home in Kansas. This was the first birthday that I have spent halfway around the world and six hours ahead of my loved ones. And as hard as it was, it was still a very special time for me because this is actually the first birthday that I have been able to spend with Adam. In the past, that beautiful body of blue water has prevented us from being together on my special day. But not this year.

            Adam didn’t give me anytime to think about the fact that I was spending it without a majority of my loved ones. He treated me like a princess! Despite his long hours at work, he still came home and took over my cleaning duties. Seeing him mop the floor was absolutely priceless and a present in itself. Not only did he clean for me, he also surprised me with a beautiful chocolate cake, my favorite! And don’t forget the candles! I hadn’t even blown them out yet and it was as if all of my wishes were already coming true. 

            Adam took me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant Cais de Quatro. We spent nearly four hours on the deck enjoying each other’s company, delicious food, cool air, and the beautiful Luanda skyline. And yes, four hours is an extremely long time for dinner but when I am with Adam I seem to get lost in time. 

            After dinner was over, we came back to our compound to find our favorite guard working the door. Icing on the cake. We wanted him to be able to join in on our celebration, so we gave him a big slice of cake and a coke to wash it all down. I think he was probably more excited about my birthday than I was because of the pleasant surprise. 

            And how can I forget all of the wonderful Facebook messages and posts from my family and friends wishing me a happy birthday. My parents Skyped me the minute they woke up. Carolyn, my mother-in-law, “sang” me happy birthday through a text message. And my Grandma not only emailed me but also left me a Facebook post. Even though I spent my day halfway around the world from everyone, I still felt extremely loved and special on my birthday. Technology is truly amazing.