The long birthday post

I guess spending time with the people who matter most and are dear to your heart truly makes a birthday meaningful and unforgettable.

At first, I thought I would have a quiet, simple birthday this year. Didn’t plan anything at all. Just wanted to spend some quality time with people close to my heart, maybe hang out, have dinner, and that’s it. I thought that would be more than enough.

The best part actually started at the very beginning. I got to spend the first moments of my birthday with the One who matters most to me. Just thanking God for everything He has done in my life. That alone already made it special.

So here’s what happened on my birthday, for those who asked.

I was woken up by Kelvin’s call. Literally a birthday wake up call. I was still half asleep when I picked up and he was already going, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL! What are you doing today?” I was like, huh… who is this… oh Kelvin. Thanks. It took me a while to even realise it was my birthday and that I had to get up or I’d be late for my own outing.

So I quickly got ready and went to church first to pick Jack up. Ended up staying for praise and worship as well.

After that, we headed to Mid Valley Gardens. Supposed to just spend a few hours there, but we ended up staying the whole day. I haven’t walked that much in a long time. We literally covered almost every corner, walking into shop after shop, just exploring everything.

Lunch was another story. Too many choices. I wanted pasta, thought of Chili’s, but it felt a bit over budget. So we just walked around until we found Sweet Chat. And wow, everything there was good. We tried quite a few things and everything was yummy. And guess what, Jack’s mum happened to be there too. Lunch became a blessing. =D

After that, we walked a bit more before heading for dessert. Jack insisted on Gelatissimo, saying how good it is overseas. I ended up trying almost every flavour before choosing. Too many good options. In the end, we shared rum and raisin and macadamia caramel. Sweet moment, not just the dessert. Haha.

That was our last stop before heading home. Jack had a family dinner later, and Tuck was supposed to pick me up at 6pm for dinner. Funny thing was, Tuck didn’t call at all. So we rushed off, and Jack offered to drive. I was more than happy to hand over the keys because my feet were already aching from all the walking.

On the way, Jack asked if we could stop by Lake Edge to drop him off because his uncle was there. Then he brought me to look at some houses. As we were driving, I suddenly recognised a familiar car. Then I saw my mum.

I was like, Jack, why is my mum here?

Then he stopped the car, and I saw everyone.

Roe, Angie, Hun, Kim Fooi, Melvin, Bryan, my mum, and Tuck too. Friends from college, church, and more. Chu Yaw and Kelvin were there as well, like every year.

I was completely surprised.

Apparently, this whole thing had been planned for two months. Tuck had been arranging it way in advance, and the barbecue was finalised just a few days before. Jack was acting the whole day. I didn’t suspect a thing.

God is truly good. He really showed His love to me through the people around me.

There were also a few things I had been wanting recently but didn’t have the budget for. And somehow, I received them as birthday gifts. The most special one was a book by Joel Osteen. I had been looking for it for two months but couldn’t find it locally. It was something I really wanted, but I was saving up for it.

And on my birthday, I received it. Not even from here, but brought in from overseas.

God is amazing.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will grant you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

This has truly been one of the most amazing birthdays I’ve had.

To everyone who made Dec 9th so special, thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me.

Roe, Hun, and Angie, thank you for planning everything. There’s just too much to say. You all know my heart. Really, thank you.

Tuck, thank you for planning this months in advance. Every year without fail, you do something. You are my best buddy.

Jack, thank you for the sweet surprises, for spending the whole day with me, and for our Gardens adventure. It meant a lot.

To everyone who wished me well through messages, calls, emails. Thank you. Gracie and Ruth, calling all the way from Australia, I really appreciate it.

And of course, mummy and daddy. Thank you for “making” me. Haha. I even told them I calculated that I was made in March. They were completely speechless.

And Bryan, my little brother. We’ve come a long way. I love you.

Mummy, thank you for walking through life with me all these years. Every moment has been so precious. Big hugs.

I’ll upload the photos once I get them.

Truly an unforgettable birthday.