In Belgium turning 50 is a big deal. Usually you invite the neighbors (your whole street), any colleagues you have, perhaps the parents of your children's friends and of course all family and any friends. Food and rink must be arranged for all, as well as music and entertainment of some sort. This usually means that some venue must be arranged to hold the party.
A life-size doll of an grey woman is placed outside your door (if you are a woman). This is "Sarah", because you have "seen Sarah". This comes of course from the saying of Jesus (although most people here are not aware of these origins) that he was before Abraham. His listeners then say, "You are not even 50 and you say you have seen Abraham." Next to the doll is usually some sort of poem about the life of the woman, with funny anecdotes.
Shirley was not looking forward to any of this. But she also knew that it would not be polite to just let everything pass unnoticed. So we planned a day with the church after worship on the Sunday following her birthday (we were in Antwerp at a Listen Up! concert on her birthday). But she did not know that Scott was already planning a secret party.
Thanks to so many of you who helped make this a special time for her as well. Snowfall prevented several from making it, and kilometers prevented others. But you were still al there - so many of you sent memories of your time with Shirley. They were bundled and presented that evening and she has continued reading them in the days since then.
This year (2011) Shirley will be 50 almost the whole year. She may have shivered a bit at the sound of the number, but she weathered the party that she feared (even enjoyed it) and is enjoying each day - as she always has.
