There are some people in your life who have been there for so many chapters that it becomes hard to remember a version of yourself that didn’t include them. Saralyn is one of those people for me, so getting to celebrate her 50th birthday with a girls’ night at our house was an absolute joy.
We’ve been friends since graduate school, which means we have now walked through decades of life together. There have been graduations and weddings, divorces and babies, new homes and new schools, career changes and all of the ordinary life that happens in between the big milestones. We raised our children at the same time, and somehow we are now entering the empty nest years together. I’m not entirely sure how we got from graduate school to 50 quite so quickly, but here we are.
When it came to celebrating Saralyn, the plan was really quite simple because we built the evening around a couple of her favorite things: margaritas and tacos from a favorite local spot. Add in some of her favorite people, and we had ourselves a party.
We ended up with the most gorgeous evening under the stars and twinkle lights. Friends came from all different phases of S’s life, and her sister was there too, which made it especially sweet. I love gatherings like this where you look around and realize that every person knows the guest of honor from a slightly different chapter, but everyone is there for exactly the same reason.
I made margaritas and bought a few different flavors so everyone could find a favorite. Because this was a 50th birthday and a regular margarita clearly wasn’t festive enough, I added edible glitter to all of them. I’m not sure glitter improves the taste of a margarita, but I can confidently say it improves the birthday spirit.
For dinner, we ordered a big taco box from the local spot S loves. It was easy, delicious and exactly right for the night. We ate and drank and talked under the lights. As a sweet surprise for the birthday girl, we organized a pop-in from her son and nieces. Later we brought out the cake, sang happy birthday and celebrated our girl properly. Honey even coached her in sabering our champagne!
Saralyn is one of the most genuine people I know. She has a beautiful smile and the very best laugh, and she is an inspiring mother. She is also one of those rare people who pays attention. She writes the best cards, somehow thinks of the perfect gifts and remembers the little things that make you feel known and loved.
I think that is one of the greatest gifts of a longtime friendship. A friend who has known you through so many different versions of yourself doesn’t just know the life you’re living today. She remembers who you were before the husband and children and house and all the responsibilities that eventually filled your days. She has watched your life unfold while you have had the privilege of watching hers do the same.
So celebrating my dear friend S at 50 wasn’t something I merely wanted to do. It was my joy and honor, and I believe everyone gathered around that table felt the same way. She has spent so many years thoughtfully showing up for the people she loves, and it was wonderful to have an evening devoted entirely to showing up for her.
Happy 50th, friend. What a gift it has been to grow up together, and what a gift it is that we aren’t finished yet.
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