Moy Moy turned 19 today and, as always, it was a special day of celebration and reflection. She woke earlier than usual, smiling and beaming. She loved the new dress and the bright yellow turtleneck I had gotten her for wearing to college and she caused a round of applause at the breakfast table when she arrived there shining like the sun.

In-between phone calls, she had her breakfast and set off for the CVT (just a little later than usual!) where Dad and I joined her at noon for the party her teachers and friends had planned for her.

Birthdays are a part of the activity at the CVT and the whole day revolves around them, from planning the menu for the party to preparing the food, decorating the hall, setting the table, selecting the music and welcoming and serving the guests. It was wonderful.

I made the cake, but everything else had been done by the trainees and their teachers – pakoras, tea and jalebis for snacks along with a beautiful array of cards made by Moy’s colleagues and friends.

She was thrilled with everything and especially enjoyed watching her friends dance after the treats were over.

I think of this one as “The Still Point of the Turning World”. Happy Birthday, Darling Moy!