Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle.
Happiness never ceases by being shared.
- Buddha
On my birthday, my brother shares with me, photographs taken months ago - my nephew in my lap, fascinated by a statue of the Buddha. On my birthday, these images help remind me to believe.
My little baba of a nephew, my beloved Twitter family, my real flesh and blood family, my wonderful friends - will this be the age of miracles? Will this be the year that I wake from the dream of illness and emerge unscathed? Except no-one ever emerges unscathed. Even Gandalf, after eight days of battling the Bairog in fire, darkness and shadow, on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, perishes even as he slays the fiery-thonged beast. This is how Tolkien describes the Bairog, this is how lupus is for me..
"Something was coming up behind them. What it was could not be seen: it was like a great shadow, no more than man-high yet terror seemed to go before it. They could see the furnace-fire of its eyes from afar; its arms were very long; it had a red tongue... and the shadow about it reached out like two vast wings...
But Gandalf the Grey is sent back as the more powerful, shining White Wizard. Could that happen to me?
Maybe, if I believe enough in the magic of miracles.
But for now - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
A very, very happy birthday to you! May this year give you all you want...
ReplyDeleteWishing you many happy returns of the day! I hope all your dreams come true!
ReplyDeleteFeliz comple anos, mi amiga.
ReplyDeleteYour miracle will evince.
Every moment is a miracle reflected in the eyes of the little one! Happy birthday Shaista.May all days be as good as this one.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you, dearest beauty! Brilliant to conjure Gandalf. I was thinking of you last night (not remembering it was your birthday today, not remembering how close ours are!), and something like this was in my mind, though not articulated. But truly, you already are this immense being to me, this other-world presence and energy that blesses me.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! This may be the year of miracles for you. I truly hope so.
ReplyDeleteMay every dream you ever dreamed come true for you this year, Shaista...or at least the top three! Your beautiful nephew looks like a calm little Buddha himself.
ReplyDeleteYes, Believe, kiddo.......sending love and blessings your way.
Happy Birthday dear one!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, dear Shaista. There are miracles and the little boy holding hands with Buddha knows it... I hope this will be a year of miracles for you
ReplyDeleteDear Miracle Friend,
ReplyDeleteI missed your birthday! Pooh. But I love these photos and you.