My Golden Birthday: A Day Worth Keeping Forever

Love is all around me,
Wrapped in moments soft and true.
A day filled with gentle magic,
And hearts that always pull me through.

So much planning and preparation by L & R,

Quietly making every detail shine.

From the little surprises to the big warm gestures,

Their love was the sweetest design.

Ammi coordinated all the birthday videos,

L stitching every message with so much care.

Each smile, each wish, each familiar face

Love was present everywhere.

Birthday videos from my loved ones,

Memories flowing across distance and time.

And that fun, clever quiz by Va,

Proof of how deeply they know me and that heart of mine.

The espresso cake that stole the spotlight,

Perfect dinner, champagne, and wine.

Every bite, every toast, every moment,

A memory sealed in time.

The day felt complete with V, Va, Rett,

Ach, and Anj by my side.

U & Ra even while far

Made every moment amplified.

To my dear friends who are always there,
Year after year, day after day, without fail or miss.
Your love and thoughts make every birthday bright,
Adding warmth, laughter, and endless bliss.

Good food, good vibes, and all the fun,

A perfect day from start to end.

Another year, another blessing,

Held together by love, life, family and friends.

To the One Who Gave Me My Name

Not everyone who passes through our lives leaves a mark.

But you, PD? You didn’t just leave one - you named one.

It started back in the mid-90s in Park Sheraton, Chennai. The chaos of youth, the laughter of friendship, the unmistakable thump of a Royal Enfield Bullet - and your voice, cutting through it all with a half-sung, half-shouted:

“Adrrrrrun... Adrrrrrrun...”

Every time we rode out, there it was - that signature call as you fired up your Bullet. What started as a silly sound between friends slowly became Drun. And somehow, Drun became me.

A nickname so sticky, so natural, it outgrew the original.

A name my closest friends call me.

A name my family knows.

A name even I respond to more than my own.

Some names are chosen. Some are earned.

But the best ones? They’re gifted - wrapped in laughter, memory, and time.

Drun wasn’t just a sound.

It was a moment. A bond. A spark.

Maybe it was something you saw in me.

Or maybe it was just something that made you laugh.

Either way, you let it live - and in doing so, gave me an identity that’s stayed with me through decades, jobs, travels, and friendships.

Now, as you leave this world too soon, I find myself clinging to that name more than ever.

Because it holds more than just a memory - it holds the thought of you.

You may be gone soon, PD, but Drun lives on.

Loud. Silly. Full of life.

Just like you.

And every time someone asks me, “Why Drun?”, I’ll smile.

With pride. With love.

With a heart full of joy and just a little bit of ache.

Thank you for the name, PD.

Thank you for the good times.

For the wild rides.

For the countless laughs.

Until we meet again… ride free.

Rest in peace, my friend.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM4GBbgMmiC/?igsh=MTZoZXpleW01cnRhZw==

El final del cuarenta!!!

And that's what mattered again this year :)  The ones who never forget will never be forgotten!

PS : How can I not mention the ChatGPT poem with the minutest of details?  Snore??? more like Grrrrrr...... 😡😂

The AI infused Birthday :)

On this day, I'm brimming with joy and a heart full of thanks. To my amazing friends, who never forget and always make my birthday special, I dedicate this post.

The years may fly by, but some friendships remain a constant. The warm wishes, whether penned in heartfelt messages, voiced in heartfelt greetings, or woven into unique poems (thanks to ChatGPT), have painted my day with vibrant colors.

Thank you for taking the time to celebrate with me, even from afar. This year again, my birthday was not just a day, it was a testament to the enduring power of friendship. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

May laughter continue to echo through the years, and friendship blooms with each passing season.

And it’s a wrap…

A busy day at work interspersed with wishes and laughs.

A good reminder to continue my travels and stop focusing on things that are beyond my control. Here’s to seeing more of this wonderful world!

An evening to remember…

Old is Gold!

In keeping with the tradition, a day spent connecting with family and friends around the world.  Simple truth be told, old truly is gold!  It's the folks that I have known for several years & decades that always take the time to reach out and send their good wishes and blessings.

A special callout to Leens for the good wishes & prayer, which made me emotional.  That is a voice recording I will save for the rest of my life.  Some of the special artwork that were made have made it to my permanent collection.

Love to all the special people in my life.  May God bless you with health and happiness always.

Tears are not always bad

Loads of wishes, conversations, virtual celebrations, food deliveries, gifts, start of a new hobby.... the day was jam packed while in quarantine.

Special people are ones who make you feel special. I am truly blessed to have a few who made the day super enjoyable.

Thanks to everyone who reached out with a hearty wish. Every single wish brightened my day.

As I reminisced the lovely moments of the day, tears were all that was left.