Mom's birthday

[zimena]

Today is my mom's birthday. We celebrated it by travelling to Denmark on a half-day trip, so I got home just a little while ago. She didn't want to stay there for the whole day (maybe because it's the third (!) visit to Denmark in a week for her, so she doesn't have a lot to do there right now), so we had practically just one hour there before returning with the same ferry we arrived in.

The ferry trip became rather more memorable than expected, though. As we both travel to Denmark quite a lot (as you might have seen from my journal), we know quite a few of the people who have their workplace onboard. Especially those people who have been working there for years. I mean, I've practically seen some of those same people since I was a kid or teen - there's especially one Portuguese brother and sister who have been there for as long as I can remember, and they're both very friendly and nice and always come to talk unless the ferry is crowded and they don't have time.

Well, today I mentioned to the Portuguese guy that we were celebrating mom's birthday. I was maybe hoping that he'd do something nice for her, like give us a little flag to put on our table or something minor like that. What I didn't expect, was that he would bring drinks (complete with a cocktail-style decoration) and a wrapped gift (chocolate éclairs) from himself and everyone else on his shift that we also know. So, actually, three people from that same shift came to give her these things, and she got hugs and congratulations from everyone, and they also said that this is from them and everyone else that also know her around the ship.

It was very touching, really. I also got a nice photo (I hardly ever remember to take photos. Then afterwards, I think of how I should have taken some... but this time I remembered), but I don't think she would appreciate it if I posted her pic online, so I won't do it.

I think she found this whole thing very lovely, actually - especially after the initial surprise had faded.

At least I think she had a memorable birthday so far, so I'm happy about that :)

Comments

[upanddisappear]

What a lovely gesture! Happy birthday to your mom!

[zimena]

She says thanks :)

[jenni_blog]

Awwww...that is is lovely!!! What the Portuguese guy did was amazing but so like the Portuguese people! Whenever we've gone to Portugal for a visit we found the people to be the sweetest, friendliest people you could imagine and they will do the nicest things for you. I am not at all surprised that they did that for your mom. (Mind you, we found the Italians to be the same way, and the Spanish a bit more reserved but for the most part also kind and generous with their time and so patient!

Anyway, I am glad that you and your mom had such a nice day in Denmark. It sounds lovely. :)

[zimena]

I love that you've travelled to Europe so much!

I'm currently planning a trip to Portugal with the best friend - and maybe with his boyfriend as well, that's not quite decided yet. If we can do this, it will be my first visit to Portugal ever.

Thanks for the lovely and warm words, btw :)

[mummimamma]

What a lovely gesture! It sounds like a good way to celebrate a birthday to me :)

[zimena]

It was very nice, yes. And I'm glad not everyone expects a birthday celebration to mean a huge party. I'm not a party person... and mom isn't one either, as you probably figured out already :)

[gobtastic]

Oh my goodness, that's just so, so nice of everyone to do this for your Mum's birthday! How lovely! It's wonderful how these relationships build up over the years, I guess even if you don't actively think of these people outside of the times you're physically with them, they still know you - quite well, too, if you've been seeing them for such a long time.

Just, awwwwwwwww! Smiling all over, here! Your Mum must've been so happy!