Diana.......

29 years ago today, I was lying, at this very moment, on the top step of our swimming pool. Very pregnant. It was 30+C and I could not get cool. I probably looked like a beached whale. In fact, I am sure I did. I was not in a reasonable mood. My husband used to remind me of this. Frequently. I had been to a check up at my gynae/obstetrician earlier, and I told him the baby could come any time. The sooner the better. Just not the next day. That would be Friday 13th back then.

So of course I went into labour at midnight on the dot. SOMEBODY thought that was amusing.

And 11 hours later, my daughter made her appearance. Friday 13th is a very special day in this family, as a consequence. And I have never been the same.

It is Friday 12th February here at the moment, but down there at the bottom of the world, a very special girl has already woken and started her day. And thanks to the marvels of modern technology (I love Skype), I have seen her and spoken to her. The fact that she was half asleep is irrelevant. She is the most amazing young woman, you know. I have said this so many times, I know. But she really is. I am so lucky to be her Mum.

I am thinking back over the years and all the memories pop up randomly like a slide show in my mind...... the little red-haired monkey who looked just like Annie, the pig-tails, the shrieks of laughter, the water baby, Care Bears, nearly drowning but saved by her big brother, the best friends, the doll called Polly, the chicken pox on the ship, the pink party, ballet, camping, walking on the mountain, school sports days, days on the beach, toasting marshmallows, cycling about with her friends, shellsuits, singing and choirs, pantomimes, exams and hayfever, snow and Alps, rollerblades, university, London, global trotting................ and always the grin. The way she draws people to her, and the way she leads children in her work for the church. The way we smile when we are around her. She really does light up the room.



Adventurer. Explorer. Unique. Special. Lovely. Fun.

My daughter.

Happy Birthday, my girly! I love you loads and loads.