I remember when....

I  was 16.
It doesn't feel that long ago.
I remember a slim waist, swimming in tepid pool water, flirting and having fun.
I can still feel the sun shining down on my skin and having out breaks of freckles...lots and lots of freckles.

*************************

I remember too - 16 years ago.
That, strangely seems a life time away, further away than when I was 16.

I remember dragging a very hot, tight and stressed body (mine) around an ovenlike, dry and dusty park in a Johannesburg suburb. Willing my 2 week delayed baby to think about moving.

I remember the heat.  I remember seeing wild rabbits grazing the brown stubby grass under a rusty steam train - it had been painted a shiny black.

I remember the sweat on my back and my fringe plastered on my face. And I remember feeling very very uncomfortable.

Now - that stubbornly unwilling-to-be-born baby is now a wonderful 16 year old.

Happy Birthday Beautiful.

16 chocolate buns, each with chocolate stars and a candle 

- each one for each year of his life. 

Just before lighting the many candles 

(Himself kept singeing his wrist as he lit them)

Note to self (well - himself - start lighting the candles from the TOP)

16 candles and a set of '16' candles - an awful lot of teenage puff was needed!