It’s time to throw a party….just what we need in the midst of a cold, wet and bleak winter….BUT, the party girl doesn’t want a bar of it. Oh no, howls of protest for weeks now, ‘Please, if you must, just a very few family”. “Sure thing Mum, just one or two”. Huh, not likely, she’s in for a surprise as all her children, all their partners, all their kids, all their current loves as well and all her old friends who are still alive and kicking are coming to celebrate her 80th….we’re looking at a few here, oh yes, it’s party time and she doesn’t know it yet – we are a noisy bunch at the best of times so she’s either going to be chuffed or tick me off! Quick call to her this morning, “do you need a lift up here on Sunday Mum?”  “Why?”  “Because remember we are having a little shindig for your 80th” “Oh, I’d forgotten”. Blimey, a party with no birthday girl, now that could be a problem! But, this 80th birthday party is tinged with sadness as in all honesty my Mother just doesn’t want to be here on this planet anymore – you see, life for her has been a struggle since my Dad died in 2000. Their 50 years together was a true-love story – a partnership made in heaven – oh, if only it was that easy for the rest of us but it isn’t! (Well, I ain’t seen it much) – but this was a love story in every sense, utterly devoted to each other. Sigh! She is a walker, miles each day (probably why she has reached 80 as she still drinks and smokes far more than is good for her) and drops by Dads grave daily and often tells me “you know what Fiona, I ask Dad how he is everyday day but he never answers me”…..its enough to make you cry!  “I’ve had a great innings and there is simply no reason for me to be here anymore”. Thanks Mum! I have a feeling though that if Dad was still with us she would still be as happy as Larry chugging along on top of the ground rather than under it!  And despite the howls of protest I have a feeling she is going to enjoy her party – she usually does! – she will whip outside for a smoke every 30 minutes, have a few too many wines, say embarrassing things and then be delivered home the worse for wear but having had a ball.  Happy 80th Birthday Mum! x