HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FIRSTBORN SON.
We had a few lovely night’s out with him – this photo was taken at the pop-up bar on top of the BBC building called “Pergola on The Roof” – they do a winter and summer version and it’s a huge, very popular space. You have to book very early to get a table…and you also have to be young and gorgeous and seemingly know half the people there – really not sure how I managed to sneak in:-
“F**King hell you’re old”, my 16 year old told my newly 24 year old son yesterday.
If he thinks that, how old does it make me feel to have a son that age? What I was busy doing 24 years ago is still so clearly etched in my mind. After a very, very long induced labour, my three week overdue first born child was born in Melbourne. His arrival was a bit touch and go at times (luckily I wasn’t aware of this at the time) but he finally emerged, all pink, wrinkly and very over cooked.
I can honestly say, that apart from a few blips here and there (the ones I know about anyway) he has been a total joy to bring up and have around. Give or take the number of hospital visits, a few fights, a night in a cell and far too many parties hosted at my house he really has been no trouble at all.
I am supremely proud of the man he has become. He’s everything I would have wanted a child of mine to be – his characteristics haven’t changed from when he was a young boy – so there was a definite “give me a child at 7 and I’ll show you the man”…a sunny nature, a kind temperament, a love of sport, a commitment to the team, a great sense of humour, a simple and uncomplicated approach to life and with all those life skills that have merely grown and strengthened as he got older, it comes as no surprise to me that he has many friends and a job he loves. These days he’s great fun to hang out with and (for now) I’m enjoying having him living back at home with me. He will go and rent with friends next year if he can afford it. Unbelievable to think that home ownership amongst those his age has halved in the last 20 years. House prices are way out of his league and salaries are shit. What are they all supposed to do?
Here’s another one of us, just for good measure!
