A special birthday for the best mum in the world

 

By Jen (and Bubbles too, of course!)

Today wasn’t just any day. It was my mum’s birthday, and I wanted it to be the best day ever. Because my mum is the best person ever. Seriously. If you knew her, you’d agree. She’s kind and funny and brave and smart and gives the warmest hugs in the whole wide world. So I thought—this year, we have to do something BIG. Something surprising. Something full of love, laughs, and a little bit of flying…

But before I tell you what we did (spoiler alert: it was amazing), I just want to say a few things about Mum.

She’s the kind of mum who stays up late to help with homework, even when she’s tired. She always listens, even when I go on and on about the same things. She makes the best hot chocolate and knows exactly how to fold my blanket so it feels just right. She sings silly songs when we bake and always dances in the kitchen. She reads the best bedtime stories (with the best voices!) and remembers all the names of my stuffed animals—even Bubbles, who can be a bit cheeky.

Mum is strong, even on the days she feels a little wobbly. She’s like a superhero, but without the cape. And she always, always puts everyone else first. So today, we decided it was her turn. Her turn to smile. To laugh. To be surprised. To fly!

We didn’t tell her where we were going. Dad and I planned it all. We packed a bag with comfy clothes, snacks, and Bubbles (obviously), and we drove off like we were on a secret mission. Mum kept asking questions, and I kept giggling because I really wanted to tell her—but I didn’t!

When we arrived and she saw the big sign that said iFLY, her face lit up like a star. She gasped and said, “Are we really doing this?” and I shouted, “YES!”

Mum flew. Like, actually flew. She floated in the air and laughed so much I could hear her from outside the tunnel. And when it was my turn, I felt like I was flying next to her, even though we took turns. Afterward, we had cake, and she said this was the best birthday she’s had in years. That made me so happy I almost cried (but I didn’t—Bubbles did though, but he says it was just “dust”).

We took silly photos. We had hot chocolate. We snuggled on the couch when we got home. And I told her again and again:

Happy birthday, Mum. You are loved more than all the stars and sprinkles in the universe.

Thank you for being you. For every bedtime story. For every band-aid. For every cuddle. For every time you’ve made me feel safe and special. You’re my hero. My sunshine. My everything.

Bubbles says he agrees. And he also says next year we should get a bouncy castle and pizza. But that’s another story.

Love you forever and always,

Jen (and Bubbles!)