Post 410: Red Letter Day +
There are a few days in your life that would require a sledgehammer to remove them from your memory; some good and some bad, but few are as memorable as today.
It’s my Darling and my anniversary.
Thirty-six years since we were married. What a day.
It was also my birthday, 62.
Back in the mists of time…
Two years of planning ended with a blur of a day — it flew by like no other.
When you’re in the midst of a day that means so much to so many, it’s planning that sees you through, and we had planned the arse off this day.
From start to finish, everything went to plan. Even the statuette of a long-forgotten saint had done its job.
It was the Patron Saint of good weather, I think, and although the forecast was grim, it ended up dry. A little breezy, but dry. So whoever that saint was, he was a real saint that day.
Looking back, it was the single most stressful day of my life, but equally the most fun.
With limited funds and wonderful guests from near and far, that little chapel where family had been christened, married and buried already held countless memories. Adding ours to them that day was one of the best moments of my life.
To see that beautiful but nervous young lady walk into my life was special, memorable, and the start of an amazing journey. I really am so lucky.
Thirty-six years on, and I still feel lucky.
So back to the here and now…
The mix of birthday and anniversary cards and wishes descended upon us, and I knew it was going to be a special day.
I had a surprise up my sleeve and, as I later found out, so did she.
I sneaked downstairs to feed the cat and get the kettle on. When the din of the kettle subsided, I heard the footsteps of my Darling mooching about upstairs.
I had been ignoring a pile of cards on the table next to a cellophane-wrapped hamper of chocolate, sweets, crisps and healthier protein bars. Another delight in the annual celebration of my sweet tooth.
I had left a treat for my Darling upstairs, right in front of her bedroom door. It was a pale pink gift bag from her favourite jewellery maker and contained a couple of elasticated silver bracelets, one with her favourite animal as a charm hanging from it. There were also a few sweets and a bottle of their own-brand perfume she hadn’t tried before.
She came downstairs looking and smelling lovely and, when she saw the cards and hamper still untouched, made sure that was not how the day was going to start.
So I dutifully opened the gifts and cards and realised just how generous everyone had been, especially with the gift cards.
My Darling wife has always tried — and failed — to keep the big present from me, and sure enough, I was handed it next.
I opened it knowing exactly what it was as soon as I saw the shape.
A brand-new Apple Watch.
Boy, was it a biggie.
She had bought me the one already on my wrist, and although I was having to charge it every day because the battery had faded, it still worked fine.
But I was delighted to play with my new toy and all its gadgets for the rest of the day.
Having been given the big gift, I thought I’d better give my Darling hers.
This tiny envelope, with a small piece of home-printed paper inside, looked like a poor relation compared with the present she’d given me.
But it’s not always the size that makes you smile the most…
If you know what I mean. Ha ha.
The smile on her face grew wider as she opened the envelope.
Then she looked confused.
Then she squealed with delight, jumped up and down on the spot and launched herself at me.
With the biggest hug and kiss she said she absolutely loved her new personalised registration plates with her name on them.
Wow.
What a reaction.
My Darling couldn’t have been happier and, as I explained how she would get them fitted to her car, she stopped me.
“Save that explanation for the walk into town.”
Then, in a small caring voice, she asked if I could manage the walk.
I replied that if I got tired there were always taxis or a bus.
So we walked into town, me with my watch and her with her big smile, new perfume and shiny bracelets.
We both explained our gifts over a huge breakfast brunch and I even had a celebratory apple pie and custard just to fill my stomach right up.
On the way home we passed a pub.
Well, we didn’t actually pass it.
We popped in and had a swift half or two.
We discussed our dinner plans with our youngest and his fiancée and agreed we’d better hurry home.
I’m happy to report that we did.
I was tired, but by gum, I made it all the way home.
Hurrah!
Within five minutes of sitting down after our well-earned breakfast, they arrived.
We all sat in the TV lounge with the television switched off.
I was handed a card by our youngest while his fiancée looked on.
I didn’t read the outside of the card.
I did, however, see what was inside.
It was a small piece of paper printed in black and white.
A rather indistinct image.
In the top left corner was her name in tiny print.
It showed a twelve-week-old baby in her belly.
Oh my.
What an absolutely beautiful surprise.
My Darling looked at me, snatched the scan image, cried and grabbed hold of our youngest’s Darling as if she had won the lottery.
I definitely had…
The card read, for the very first time,
Happy Birthday Granddad.
