Today is somebody's birthday

Today it is somebody’s birthday.

I am so proud of her.

From the first candle,

To the exhaustion of another kiddies party. Parents in no hurry to leave.

Empty house syndrome feeling.

The sleepover, a couple of them young goth, whispers and giggles from the back bedroom.

Empty fridge in the morning

The loud teenage gathering,

Smelling slightly off, was that a snog?

Are they old enough for beer? For boys?

Eighteenth when a couple of them were sick in the neighbour’s garden,

Just beyond the hedge.

Empty bottles growing among the roses.

Then came the time of meals in restaurants like the adults we are.

Bitching about life and discussing the wine.

Now it is most year’s come over for coffee at 11. Don’t get me anything.

This year, come Sunday for lunch, his parents will come too.

Love and pride and a still niggling worry.

A parent's story.