Nell: Happy Birthday to you.
Me: Thank you. I love these photos of us having a conversation.
Nell: I thought everyone would like to see more photos from the photoshoot for your first book.
Me: The publishers only chose a few, didn’t they? I hate having my photo taken but you look gorgeous.
Nell: Don’t start.
Me: Thank you for all the wonderful birthday messages. They mean so much to me.
Nell: I’ve written you a poem.
Me: Can I hear it?
Nell: Of course.
‘Happy Birthday dear Sara
It’s been quite a year
Full of love and laughter
But also worry
And fear.’
Me: You can say that again.
Nell: No, I can’t. It would ruin the poem.
Me: You know what I mean.
Nell: May I continue?
Me: Please do.
Nell: ‘But sometimes the dark days
Can show you the light
Can unleash your inner warrior
And make you ready to fight.
Whatever challenges you face
There’s no need to hide
Because we’re facing them with you
We’re right by your side.
Let’s treasure each day
We spend together
Because happy memories last
For ever and ever.
But enough of all that
The time to party has begun.
We need candles and cake
We need bacon and fun.
Put on your hats
Kick off your shoes.
Be nice to the cats
And shrug off the blues.’
Me: Be nice to the cats?
Nell: It’s only once a year.
Me: True.
Nell: May I finish?
Me: Yes.
Nell: ‘Put a smile on your face
And a drink in your paw
Because our darling Sara
Has turned 64.’
Me: That was a really lovely poem, Nell.
Nell: My pleasure.
Me: How did I get to be 64?
Nell: Just blow out the candles before the house burns down.
Me: Sorry.
