It’s the birthday card that means the most

When I was a kid, I truly didn’t care about the birthday card. It was an add-on, an extra, frankly a waste of money. The present was the thing. Unless, of course, shaking the card hinted at cash or a cheque inside.

Now, the words of a birthday card written with real thought, or a personalised gift designed with a real message of love, are what I care about, especially from loved ones. I received many this year. Some of them truly moved me. This included some cards which simply blew me away, photos of my daughter and I, the ice cream delivery with a video call from the UK and a mouse mat with my favorite uncle ever on it with a photo of my youngest nephew. I could go on.

I am not fussed about the design or the format. It could be a simple piece of paper or a WhatsApp message, but the words I received truly made me happy, in the deepest sense of the word. From my wife, my kids, my sister, my mother, and other friends and family. One friend bought me a lovely bottle of alcohol but even then. I was more moved by his brief message.

It is funny how life changes. I am pleased to say that my birthday weekend was great.

It wasn’t free from PSP. PSP was a guest at the table. It claimed me by main course on Friday night, where I had effectively powered down and had to be helped to bed mid meal, and it made a number of other appearances. But it was not the star. It was far down the list of guests that mattered.

I feel it ever more present. I am less engaged in conversation, my head stiffer and less able to turn, I zone out. But I am surrounded by love, and that is what my birthday meant to me. It is at times like this that I truly realise what is important and am grateful.

I also know that many friends wanted to pop by but held back, knowing that the reality of where I am means I can be so easily overpowered. I appreciate them for that. Thank you. It is important that they know it means something significant to me.

I have no idea what is to come. I have an MRI tomorrow and Botox injections on Wednesday, so this week will be interesting. But despite PSP and its clear and obvious impact, which I feel deeply, this is a weekend I won’t let go of.

PSP is built on top of the lives we have built for ourselves. We all have our fair share of good, bad and ugly, but I am truly blessed with a lot of good and blessed with the attitude to see it.