Today is my daughter's 11th Birthday and she is super excited. And today I baked her a Boston Blackout Cake just as I did last year. The smell of it baking reminded me that this was when we made our first stand for our children and was a significant step as we exited. We took the cake to my mum and dads (mum is a JW) and lit candles and sang happy birthday. This was the point when my mum realised that we were walking away.
Last year there was a certain amount of awkwardness since we felt a little uncomfortable and knew mum did too. We were still breaking free and there was still a cetain amount of conditioning to shake off. This year I am relaxed there is no point to prove except that I love my daughter and wish her well on her special day. She has opened presents and eaten candy before school and had loads of excitment already. She has her special cake and candles to come and lots of enthusiastic Birthday singing.
Happy Birthday Heather for birthday number 2 may you have many happy ones to come.