The year of turning 60

Yesterday was my friend's birthday. Not just any friend .... and not just any birthday.

My dear and almost oldest friend Julie celebrated her 60th - a milestone in anyone's calendar - and together with her loving family and friends old and new, we enjoyed a night of fun, reminiscences, soothing background music (well she is 60) and delicious food. Her beautiful husband Peter, aided and abetted by their two gorgeous children organised a couple of surprises to add to the excitement and joy of her special day.

Julia and I met in primary school - year 3 - and were inseparable all those years through to year 7. Once in high school our circle of friends expanded yet we remained close even though new and different girls came into our lives. And the fact that one of us had the freedom to explore and enjoy adolescence while the other was subjected to a strict Sicilian upbringing was at times challenging. But friendship is about accepting and through those sometimes difficult years Julie was always an ally. I'm sure there were times when she didn't get it - hey, neither did I - but I always knew that she was there for me.

Over the years we came and went. We left school, worked in totally different careers, married, travelled, eventually had babies, moved houses, wouldn't see each other for years and then a phone call and we would reconnect.  Although our paths went in different directions yet at some point the Universe would arrange for us to get together again, stay for as along as needed and then move on.

In recent years we have both lost a loved one and it was like losing one of our own. When you have a friendship this their family becomes your family too. So the loss of a mother or a sibling is as heartbreaking for one as the other.  

Julie has been back in my life for a couple of years now and what inspires me about this vivacious, bubbly woman is her generosity. Julie lives the adage "a friend in need is a friend indeed" and willingly and instantly gives of herself when she knows that someone is doing it tough. She heard about an organisation called the Pyjama Foundation which arranges for volunteers to visit children in foster homes and through the beauty and magic of books, provide them with friendship and a constant in their otherwise uncertain lives. She became a Pyjama Angel and recently was honoured at a celebration dinner when one of her "children" got up to thank her for her friendship and for introducing him to the wonders of reading. I wish I had been there.

Last night I watched as Julie enjoyed her night - mixing and mingling, sipping her champagne like a lady (hehe), looking fabulous in her blingy clingy dress (looking good for 60 Jules) and just .... beaming. I watched as she soaked up the love from each and everyone of us as we helped her to celebrate this very special birthday for this very special lady.

Life is good.

With dear friends Moya (left) and Julie (right)
We're not getting older, we're getting hotter