Felix's 70th Birthday Celebration

On the last Thursday of February, Emmy called me to invite me to their house the next evening as it was going to be Felix's birthday. As I would need to attend a leaders' meeting in church at the same time, I just said I would try to make it. Before I hung up, she reminded me, "No present, please!"

At first I was hesitating between the two appointments. But I began to consider the fact that the 70-year-old birthday celebration would take place only once a life time whereas the meeting was held every month, and that I could always find out from others what had been taught or discussed. Finally on 25th evening after work, I decided to drive to Klebang instead of Ayer Keroh.

Julia was also back from Kuala Lumpur with her parents. As usual, this vivacious girl's presence could never be unnoticed.

I was wondering why she started to cry when she sat at the dining table. Then I learnt that she had accidentally dropped the GPS, a gift which her parents had bought for her grandfather, onto the ground before they came. Even though it was not spoilt at all, the sight of it was enough to make her feel guilty again.

Felix was happier to read the simple word "Chichi" (Grandfather in Spanish)

and to receive the handmade card

from his granddaughter.

That evening, Emmy was not feeling well and stayed in the room. So after the dinner together with other guests, Julia was the one sitting next to Felix

to blow

and remove the candles

together.

The cheese cake was from a bakery and was not as popular as the flan of which all of us had a share. Every time when I went to their house for an important meal gathering, I would have the chance to taste this Emmy's signature dessert.

Later, I went upstairs to chat with Emmy. She was very glad to see the pictures I had taken. So was Felix who joined us later. I believe that this was the best present I had offered to the couple.