I was at a 70th birthday party …

And this happened!

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I need to back-track a bit.

First off, 70th birthday parties today are not what you might imagine. People do not sit around sipping tea. There was on this occasion a very busy bar. It was Saturday night live, not Sunday lunch. The venue was packed with people of all ages. There were sequins but no cardigans. There was live music of the rock and roll variety, and dancing. There were tears and laughter and singing and not a lot of sitting down.

This is not the exception. None of the 70 year olds I know are in decline. They are are in revolt and doing there own thing. Remember this is the baby boomer generation. They might not have been at Woodstock or the summer of love in San Francisco, but they are still trying to live it. My point is that it was a lively gathering.

I am not good at parties. Try as I might blending in with a crowd is difficult for me. It takes a while to relax, and sometimes it never happens. You might be aware that I fairly frequently get to hang out with Johan’s ex-wife. We get on pretty well. After all 35+ years with a man gives her quite a bit of insight, and we share a giggle at his expense pretty regularly. You may not know that occasionally I also get to mix and mingle with his other ex – a girlfriend who also had a good many more years with him than me. This was her family’s party, a group of people I have been privileged to meet before and even attend a couple of family weddings. As Johan was running his photo booth all night – yes chère was a heavily patronised photo booth at this party – I was feeling a bit adrift in the early part of the evening. Everyone was lovely, but I am me.

Anyway, I hope you get the picture. Lots of people. Lots of noise. Lots of fun. The couple both celebrating their birthdays worked the room, and the husband sang (he is very good) over the hubbub. We sat and ate, and there were some brief speeches as one might expect. Then, still seated after the meal, we were urged to hush. Something was happening. Important people were missing and had quickly to be found. The church minister who is part of the family was suddenly robed and standing at the microphone. The birthday boy was looking very confused.

Then it happened. The birthday girl, now transformed out of a sleek black evening dress into full bridal regalia, appeared on the arm of her son. There were gasps, laughter, and squeals of delight. Dozens of phones were pulled out and began flashing photos. The ‘groom’ was hastily bundled into a tuxedo jacket and told to stand up straight. I am surprised he managed to stand up at all, since he had not been let into the surprise.

And then we effectively had a wedding. The renewal of wedding vows taken decades earlier in another country and another life. It was heart-warming, glowing even, and a genuine expression of love and commitment over time. Lovely. Everyone was happy. Some cried. I lost my shyness. A really great night for a great bunch of people.

Of course like all the best things in life, there was an underlying tinge of sadness. Many were aware that another family member was gravely ill, and sadly passed away the next day. Not dismissed for the night, just held in the thoughts of her nearest and dearest as they reaffirmed the celebration of life.

Then there was a slight issue with some misplaced car keys at the end of the night, which is one of those best forgotten glitches the universe throws up from time to time.

But the essence of the event was a couple who love each other, love their friends and family, and love life. What a great way to spend a cold winter’s night. Thank you Brenda and Garry. Go well.