Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of my Sister-in-Law, but for me it felt like celebrating the birthday of a longtime friend. She is not just my husband's sister-in-law. We were Batchmates in college, and that is where our bond truly started. Even before, I became part of their family, we already shared classrooms , projects and stressful exam days together.
Because of that history, our relationship is different. We are close not only because we are family now, but because we grew up together during our college years. We know each other's stories, struggles and dreams. That is why her birthday feels personal to me.
The celebration was simple. We prepared food at home, arranged
the table, and bought a cake. Her favorite cake is ube. As usual, the kids were the most excited. They kept asking when it was time to sing and blow the candles. They stood around the cake even before we were ready. In our family, birthdays are extra special for the children because they love that candle- blowing moment.
What made this birthday more happy was her husband's surprise. He is a soldier, and he is often away because of his duty. We are not sure if he could come home. So when he suddenly arrived, it became the best gift of the day. The look on her face said everything. No decoration or expensive food could replace that moment. Very authentic moment.
We eat together, shared jokes and took photos. As I watched her smile, I remembered our college days and how far life has taken us. From being classmates to becoming family, our bond only became stronger.
That day reminded me that birthdays are not about expensive celebration. Whet truly matters is the people who show up, the love they bring and the memories you continue to build together.
Thank you for reading my story, this is my owned picture, edited in Canva. Have a nice day!