My friend Angela assures me that all birthdays can be acknowledged and celebrated in the octave. Meaning that you have eight days within which to rectify greetings and good wishes ommissions.
Perhaps this is a case of closer to church, further from God or the shoe maker’s children always wear laughing shoes. I can see how one can think this. Douglas’ birthday was on Tuesday, but no blog. Frentic life my only excuse.
Earlier this year at a staff retreat, we had to write down in quick time, 100 things for which we are grateful. Douglas was my chart topper (and I had my mother, children and siblings to contend with).
He is a marvellous, marvellous, kind, full of integrity person. And I shall say no more. Except, that he has fabulous legs.
His feminist politics, sometimes I have to wonder. Like a few weeks ago, when he turned to me, full of concern, ‘this gender equality thing, the women’s movement taking so long to achieve it, perhaps you need a man to lead?”
That’s the other thing, he has come to fancy himself a teller of jokes. And he always cracks me up, if only because he enjoys his own so much.
I only wish he would live more consistently by his mother’s credo- It’s the answer that brings the row. Can I get the last word please?
sorry, been out of commission..
…computer break down…the technicican was just here proclaiming that ” man this must be replaced as it ” real old”. would you believe it is just 3 years old…installed in 2007! the cost of repair is as much as purchase of a new one!!!
so douglas the moral of the story is when things get old and broken down they get thrown out in this society.
but lucky you, the legs still hot! or rather…’haawt!!!”
happy birthday special one….
btw, roberta, we enjoyed a lovely time monday with your two mendes men, also celebrating jen’s birthday…
.
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I’m only now seeing this post Roberta, and well, I wanted to add to the Charlie Brown revelry – but alas, what to add?
Douglas, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Always good energy and good vibes – some call it aura – whatever it is – people (myself included) like having you around. You make the rest of us feel good. Thanks!
So keep on doing what you do (jokes and all) and may you have many, many more happy happy days!
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Whenever I talk about my brothers, I proudly and emphatically describe them as ‘good men’ – the word ‘good’ encompassing all elements of strength, love and devotion, men you can always count on, their heart in the right place.
Douglas being my closest sibling in age was saddled with having to entertain me as a child – being the baby for 7 years and 5 years his junior, this was no easy task for Douglas. I always had to win – I could never ‘out’ when playing cricket and he could never ‘cack’ me when pitching marbles – he had to be patient and kind at all times otherwise he would suffer the wrath of our father whose daughters could do no wrong. I could either take credit for helping him develop these qualities or thank God that his genuine ‘goodness’ has always prevailed.
I prefer to thank God for blessing me with brothers I could always count on – then, now and forever.
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Belated birthday wishes Douglas! May the Lord’s blessings and favour be upon you always.
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Roberta if you think his legs are great you obviously have not seen my left leg. We enjoyed having Douglas with us on his birthday, thank you.
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Douglas Happy birthday.
In these days of intolerance and uncommitted relationships, it is heartwarming to see such a profound connection between you and Berta.
I cannot help but wax poetic with 2 renditions: first from a seventeenth century female poet, a Puritan, no less! paying homage to her husband. And 2nd an author who had a male pename in order to be taken seriously.
Berta, I suspect you might prefer more liberated contemporary stuff, 🙂 but it’s still ‘Words’ as Baron would say.
“To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov’d by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can in no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love lets so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
“To Be One With Each Other” by George Eliot
What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?
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Happy Birthday Doug.
I’m so glad that Roberta found her Charlie Brown.
You have shown yourself to be a loving husband, caring father and a wonderful son-in-law who thinks he knows more than he should about me!!:-)
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Douglas, we did not forget!! Thought about you during a hectic day of travelling. Better late than never and as Phyllis and Valerie says, it’s still your birthday.
Mom, Jeewan and I had a drink on your head in a motel in Ottawa and since we are celebrating all week, we’ll toast some more this weekend.
Boy, you getting old!!
Happy Birthday!
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Oh lawd, here we go again…
I see another Clarke-Mendes on the horizon or an attempt at, anyway
That possibility usually presents itself around this time of year, every year, but with a blog like that, it’s guaranteed!!
Happy Birthday, Padnah!
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Douglas is one of few. And infact I personally don’t know another. (But I am sure he can’t be the only one out there). I have already wished him happy birthday and we will be celebrating on Monday.
Douglas is just so genuine and such loyal friend. A wonderful father and husband.
Roberta the same can be said of you (of course not the husband part). Vishnu says it is all about Karma and the two of you must have done something good in the last life to be living out such a good Karma in this life.
Much love.
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Happy, Happy birthday Douglas……..Roberta’s thought about you speaks volumes. May you have many many more happy ones. It has been wonderful knowing both you and Roberta (to me one goes with the other).
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Happy Birthday Douglas. It is good to know you and Roberta. Sometimes we lose perspective and focus on all that is wrong with our region. You keep us reminded of the amazing people and leaders that our region continue to produce. May you have many more joyful and love filled years.
Blessings and Gratitude
Rosina
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I think it is Valerie who says that, as long as anyone is wishing you Happy Birthday or still celebrating with you, it is still your birthday. I like that thought. Happy birthday Douglas. I can’t add much more than what Roberta and Lynette have said already, except that I agree wholeheartedly, and that we are *all* very lucky to know you and to share friendship with you; and the country is lucky to have you.
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Happy birthday Douglas. “He is a marvellous, marvellous, kind, full of integrity person.” – when you get that from the person with whom you have lived with for so many years – as man and wife; and when it has been said by her in so very many ways over the years that I have known her … then you both are very lucky people to have each other.
As to having the last word … 🙂 I suspect that you have been more consistent in abiding by your mother’s credo than Roberta would allow. 🙂
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