You woke up to a rather dreary morning. Sleep deprivation, feverish kids and a house that looked like it needed deep cleaning. We ambled through the morning worrying alternately about each twin focussing on the moment. I don’t recall a moment taking you aside, wishing you a Happy Birthday.

It is a little after 6:00 PM, the home is calm. The kids are out playing in the cul-de-sac as are you. I hear the cooker hissing in the background. The peace that prevails explains it to me. This is home. This is us. This is our celebration. The immersion in the minute details of everyday life. Cleaning the car seat in our soaking tub in the middle of the night trying to purge the vomit odours. Running six rounds of laundry when two kids are sick. The relentless folding, putting away, trying to keep it all together routine. We stay in sync picking up where one leaves. This well oiled machinery. This is our celebration.

Today I celebrate you K. The father who runs around the cul-de-sac running behind them looking and feeling years younger than you are. The husband who patiently reviews my answer sheets pointing out calculation errors and reminding me to study. The son-in-law who silently slips the tubes of Sensodyne that Amma left behind in her luggage. The son who talks for two hours about everything under the sun. The brother who relishes memories of school time escapades and the doting uncle who revels in the voice of this nieces.

You are special K. Happy Birthday!!