I'm alone, recently divorced, currently unemployed and perpetually reeling from so many changes in a short period of time.
The sun bubbles above the crystal clear aqua blue waters of Orient Bay and the long leave Palm Trees dance in the Trade Winds.
It's 8 in the morning but I've got a midnight buzz loudly speaking to my neighbors making their way to the boutique selling fresh croissants.
"Happy Birthday," Conner says appearing from the tiny studio next door.
"Thanks Buddy," I reply putting my sunglasses on.
"Happy Birthday Honey," his wife Hania says sitting beside me and gives me a kiss.
"You want to walk with us to the boutique?"
"No thanks," I answer because I'm spending virtually every waking moment with them and they can use a break.
"We're bringing you a surprise," Hania says standing.
They leave, I open Facebook and am stunned at the number of people wishing me Happy Birthday from everywhere.
By the time I finish reading them all, the sun is high, Conner and Hania have left croissants on my table without me knowing and my friend Martina is cleaning my room and wanting to talk.
"Why you crying Mon?" she asks sitting beside me and gives me a hug.
All in all ... aside from being in a beautiful place ... surrounded by the set of friends still doing everything to show I remain loved ... what I remember are all the people who wish me Happy Birthday, sent private messages, recall good times and plead for me to come home.
Fast forward five years.
I'm home for my birthday, in a house full of love, doing things I want to do, no longer reeling but wondering about our next adventures.
It's because of Sarah.
She was one of the messages that day and God obviously favors us because all Hell broke loose to get us together and on this birthday she's the core of the celebration.
But I again cry on the Beloved Back Deck reading wishes and messages from hundreds of people who care enough to say so.
I'm completely blown away and incredibly humbled by it all ... friends from St. Martin included as I'm no longer there.
I thank everyone with everything in me.
When it rains love on a home filled with love ... well ... that's the best birthday ever.
And I had the best birthday ever.
Thank you all.
