I am just coming down from the high of turning 50! I was lifted up so high on love and friendship, that I have felt so overwhelmed and lucky. My oldest daughter and husband put together a video of messages from friends and family, wishing me happy birthday and describing me. I was crying with emotion and laughter, depending on who was speaking.
My younger daughter bought me a contraption for my bath, which holds my candles and book, letting me lay back to relax and read. When I get bored of that, I can put on the velvet eye mask she got me and plug it into my favourite music. I received a a dress from my older daughter, clothes from my husband, a homemade photo album from my parents, a silver friendship bracelet from my Besties, more jewellery, so many bright and colourful flowers, vouchers, cards and a very fancy handwritten balloon.
My husband arranged for my parents, daughters and us to have a ride in a vintage boat along the river at Cliveden, complete with a hamper picnic on board and lashings of champagne. I was utterly spoilt. He even dived in to retrieve my younger daughter's mobile phone when it slipped out of her pocket and into the murky water. He was the hero of the hour, well, of my whole birthday-week!
I can honestly say, it's good to be older and I'm glad to be 50. If this is the peak, I will happily and slowly start to roll down that hill...