“BIRTHDAY NOTES • We seem to forget that growing old is a privilege denied to many. I’m grateful to have seen another birthday, anbirthday in the time of a global health pandemic at a scale never witnessed in our lifetime. I’ve spent the last few days reflecting deeply.

Do we truly know what matters to us, do we understand what life is all about and do we spend enough of the hrs of our day respecting & giving love to those that mean everything to us. Last Yr I battled to fight #COVID19 & I know regardless of the struggle & challenges I’m still faced with… I know how blessed I am. I count those blessings & treasure them with my life.

The gifts in this precious life are the people we surround ourselves with. Also Those that we may not see but that live in our hearts. Our lives are so fragile & we are NOT promised tomorrow, so we need to be deliberate in our actions TODAY.

I was blessed to be with my Superhero on her birthday and see the magic of her work – her dedication and connection to the orange farm community is something to behold.

My Mommy always used to tell us never leave for tomorrow what can be done today. She also told us categorically that in our lives we must never go to bed fighting with someone, we should always try to resolve our disputes & fights. We don’t know if that person will be here tomorrow.

For this birthday we spent two days in Orange Farm. Were able to give lunch packs, cake, party packs, fruit, Hope, LIGHT and happiness to almost 1000 children. This is where I have I spent my birthday each year for the past few years.

The children we celebrate with have never had a birthday celebrated with cake & singing, they don’t have a meal each day at home. Some don’t even have school shoes or an actual school uniform. But we shared our time with them with a giant cake, a tracksuit for each child, a delicious lunch pack/ hot meal, we danced & sang happy birthday not for me, but for us all..This birthday we gave LIGHT & LOVE!

I’m so sorry for the calls that I’ve missed, the messages I have not yet responded to, but I am eternally grateful for the love, the kindness the spoils I received from so many. I am deeply humbled.

And to those who contributed to making these Giant Birthday Party Days possible: I’m forever grateful. I could not have done this alone. Thank you. God Bless ” – Catherine Constantinides

I was so blessed to physically be with My Superhero on her birthday I was so moved by her connection to the children and the Orange Farm community…it was truly something to behold.

Images courtesy of Catherine Constantinides