I value their affection more than anything.

October 4th was a special day for my family and me. The day began with my elder son's telephone call at around 12.38 a.m. "Happy birthday, Ammi".

"Thank you, putha" was my half-drowsy reply.

Birthday celebrations are necessary, but I personally don't like them. I've already advised my daughter-in-law not to organise a cake cutting.

That morning, I was a little late getting up. My husband called me and remarked, "You're still sleeping on your birthday today. Here is your birthday tea". That was the way he wished my birthday. He usually doesn’t care the birthdays, even his own or those of others. He never bestows rewards or presents on us. Neither does he care about those days. That is his way; now we have adapted to it.

While I was doing my daily routine, my son came with his wife and grandson, bringing the gifts and card. They hugged me and offered their gifts, greeting me with a very happy birthday.

This time, my grandson also helped them make my card. On video, he had recorded my grandson helping to make my card. When he showed me the video, I was delighted.

On the card, there was a line: "Aththammi". That is how my grandson calls me. It was the first year I got a card from my grandson. I was very happy to get my first birthday card as "Aththammi". The dotted images on the card were created by him.

---

While they were talking to me, I got a call from the online marketplace "Daraz". He said, "I have two parcels," and asked for the location. I did so. Within 15 minutes, they came to my doorstep and delivered the gifts that my younger son ordered online. It was a computer chair and a separate cushion.

---

I ordered a special lunch on behalf of my family. While we were having lunch, I got a video call from my younger son, who is abroad. It was his morning time. After getting his birthday wish, we chatted with him for considerable hours. He was very happy to see the card prepared by my grandson. He expressed how sad he was to miss this significant day. I was really happy to receive their affection. He said that he planned to come to Sri Lanka soon to meet us.

Since it was my elder son's holiday, they spent the entire day with us. My grandson's adorable actions made us happy. My husband made fun of me by joking that my grandson would give me another gift the next year.

It was a cheerful day, as we could spend the day with laughter, jokes, and reminding ourselves of our special days.

---

In the meantime, my phone was busy with greetings from my friends and relatives.

Although we did not grandly celebrate my special day, the affections I got from my family and my grandson's adorable actions made the day very special. I value their affection and love more than anything.

---

Thank you very much for reading my blog.