I’m going to help a friend celebrate her birthday; actually, she’s one of my best friends.
You know the type, a friend you can neglect or ignore and yet, when the going gets tough, you turn around and there she is, ready to give you hand.
Her birthday is always on a long weekend and I will confess there were times when I used the occasion as an excuse to party the whole three days with no concern for her feelings, not giving much care to the mess I was making or who was going to clean it up.
But, as they say, ‘too soon old, too late smart,’ so now when I get her invitation, I try to do something extra to mark her special day.
She such a gracious and giving lady. No matter how many people show up or where they come from, she welcomes them, she makes sure they have plenty to eat or drink, and if they need a place to stay, she just opens up another room.
Her yard is always neat and tidy, a safe place to play. She is the perfect hostess.
I often forget how beautiful she is and too many times it has taken a perfect stranger or a visitor meeting her for the first time to remind me of what a looker she can be.
Other times, it might just take a glimpse of her silhouette at sunset or opening the door in the morning and see her there waiting for me. She can still take my breath away.
No matter what the season, she always seems to find the perfect thing to wear.
Many people wait for the spring just to see what new colours she is going to introduce each year, and she can drape herself in autumn hues that inspire even the most famous design houses.
She is constantly being invited out; her social calendar is always full.
She is always welcome where ever she goes and people are always glad to see her. She is never loud, obnoxious or boastful, and she never makes a scene.
To compliment all that beauty, she has amazing grace.
I have watched her time and time again, peacefully diffusing an argument or offering her skills to mediate disagreements among her neighbours.
They respect her calm, caring attitude and always seem to listen to her quiet suggestions.
But I have learned not to confuse her kindness for weakness.
If she is asked to solve a problem or work toward a solution there is no hesitation.
She will roll up her sleeves, tie back her hair and get right to the task at hand, and, don’t get in the way.
Recently, I was away for a few days, when I returned there she was to meet me and whispered, ‘Welcome home.’ I smiled back, took a deep breath of fresh air and said, “Happy Birthday, Canada!”
We should celebrate her every day. At least that’s what McGregor says.