The Party for which I especially came from India

We are back in Wiesbaden after a fantastic weekend in Lüneburg with my friends Michael and Andrea. I would like to share some of those great moments with you!

We started from Wiesbaden, just as planned, on Saturday in the early morning and reached Lüneburg in midday. The preparations were already going on, a tent was set up in the garden, the caterers brought glasses, plates and the first supplies and the garden was getting prepared for the celebration.

Before the big party however, it was wonderful that we could spend a beautiful evening together, just the family and we. We went to a restaurant and had a great time with my still-59-year-old friend, remembering old times, looking forward to exciting days to come and enjoying the presence together.

For the past two weeks we had all been looking at the weather forecast for this Sunday. Partly because we wanted to plan which clothes to bring and partly because there were about 100 people invited and they would not fit inside if it was raining! Even with the big tent in the garden, it could have been tight. So we all hoped for good weather but until Saturday, the probability for rain was 80% and it was predicted that there would be no sun at all.

You can imagine our happiness when we got up on Sunday and the sun was shining through the window! The whole day long, we had great temperature, the sun came out and then vanished a bit behind clouds again but it was the best weather for having a party that was at least partly held in the garden!

And everyone enjoyed! I met many people, friends and relatives of Michael and Andrea, whom I have known for many years and also many people whom I have only known by their name, from stories told by my friends. We talked and laughed, shared stories and experiences.

My biggest joy was to see my friends so happy! How many people had come to celebrate Michael and how he then held a speech, addressing each of his guests one by one, touching everyone and bringing the group of otherwise mixed guests together!

Apra had a fantastic time as well! One of Michael's longest friends had arranged for a Columbian singer to come and play guitar and sing for an hour – beautiful Spanish songs. Apra walked behind the lady who took rounds and imitated her guitar play, danced and clapped enthusiastically! There were also some other kids and when the music stopped, she played with them, mixing with complete strangers with very little hesitation!

In the evening, people slowly left. Three or four couples however had such a good time, they stayed until late! In the end however, we were left with just the family and another couple and their adult daughter, close friends whom we have also know for long. It was the man with whom Michael had been to India for his 50th birthday!

That's how we ended this wonderful day rather quietly and among friends. One of the most beautiful things Michael said when talking about the event was, that he felt our presence has made it something special. Not just another party, no, a milestone, an event of life to which even friends from India want to fly in to join! Me, Ramona and Apra being there made it special to him and his guests. And being there was very special for us.

We agreed that Michael would come to India again for his 70th birthday – and I added that I would be back in Lüneburg for his 80th birthday!

Once again, my friend, I wish you another wonderful 60 years, may they be filled with love and laughter!