I have just recently celebrated a significant birthday on Black Friday. Yes, Friday the 13th of June, 2008. As I write this, I am actually pondering the history of Black Friday. That is, why is a Friday and the number 13 considered black and linked to bad luck and superstition? I don’t actually know the answer to that question but have to say I don’t consider the number 13 unlucky nor do I find the combination of Friday and 13 anything but a day and a date. And this year I used Friday the 13th as a good excuse to party and party we did.

The renovations are complete and the house is magnificent. I used the black Friday idea to host a party to re-connect with family and friends. I had been a bit disconnected through being distracted with the build, distracted by a knowing that life is changing and I felt my birthday was a good time to get everyone together and celebrate – maybe a last hurrah? I had the party catered, plenty of fine wine and a handful of talented musicians to cap the night off. Whilst the party was fantastic, some have said a “wonderfully sophisticated evening” for me, it was all about the people.

Family and friendships are important, and the night demonstrated this beautifully. I remember a saying from somewhere – not sure where – that goes something like: some friendships are for a season and some for a reason ….

I realise this is a bit vague but I guess it captures what I am trying to say. Friendships that last, that span decades are truly special and I don’t know that I really understood that until just now. Perhaps understood is not the right word, perhaps appreciate is a better fit. Yes, I don’t think I have ever really thought about friendships, because usually they just are, but today I can say I have a depth of understanding around friendships and now truly appreciate just how special they are.

Special however, only when the friendship is true, when the friendship is authentic.

This is what I felt on Friday the 13th. I felt I was surrounded by true friendship. Some friends I have known for nearly 40 years, since we were little girls at primary school. Some friendships span 20 years and longer. There are some male friends of mine who we joke about being each others hand-bags when we were all single. Now we have integrated partners into the friendships. Some friendships are quite new, yet I feel the specialness of them and I know these too will blossom and have longevity.

In the newly renovated home I have achieved a place of work, a place of living and celebration. Friends are friends, and some are clients. Clients always become friends and together we celebrate life, love, work and success. I feel blessed to be alive and thankful to have experienced such a wonderful night that was much, much more than just a birthday on black Friday the 13th.