Journals, cake and 19 years later.

It is easy to take a birthday for granted. Another year, another celebration. But is so much more than that. It is an opportunity to show our gratitude for a year that has passed, a year of life that we could be a part of. And it is exactly this gratitude and thankfulness that I experienced on my birthday this year.

There were no extravagant parties or balloons but I was completely overwhelmed by love and care by every person in my life. Every message, phone call, and Facebook post reminded me that the people in my life see me and appreciate me and that on its own was enough for me.

I didn't receive overly expensive or over the top presents but those I did get were given with such thought and love. That meant so much more to me that any price tag ever could. A journal in which I could scribble my heart's words, an Antjie Krog anthology which is inspiration enough to write my own, a basket full of Woolies surprises and a cake to share my celebrations with those closest to me just to name a few.

Cake celebrations in res

Throughout the day, the privilege to be able to celebrate the past 19 years of my life became more and more profound. Another year is not guaranteed, making it even more important to treasure the 19 I have been given.

It was a bonus to able to spend the first few minutes of the day with my parents on the farm before hitting the road back to university. The tradition of a cup of tea with the family on the morning of your birthday was at least upheld, which meant a great start to my day. The following plus-minus seven hours I spent on the road (the piece between Potch and Pretoria I nearly did not survive) just to get back to Potchefstroom, but once I was here I was showered with love and presents from all my closest friends. Dinner with Oom Christiaan and his family was a very special ending to an already great day.

Dinner with the family

After a day like that, I feel completely prepared to take the new year that lies ahead of me by storm. I thank my Abba Father for blessing me without limits, with such amazing friends and family. For giving me the strength to overcome every challenge that was in my path in the last year and for giving me the abundant strength to do accomplish even more in the year to come.

To every person who contributed to making my day as special as it was, I say thank you! My life would be dull without the colour that each person adds.

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