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My mother recently celebrated her 80th birthday, a milestone she's deeply proud of — and deservedly so. Reaching 80 requires resilience, self-care, and, admittedly, a bit of luck. She often marvels at her age, insisting she still feels 35. At 52, I can relate, though I'd say I feel closer to 40. We’re redefining what it means to age gracefully, as long as it doesn’t require staying out past 9 p.m.
For this special occasion, we broke our own curfew and stayed out past 10 p.m. to mark the 80th birthday with joy. In fact, it wasn’t just one celebration, but a month-long string of lunches, dinners, and afternoon teas. We might have sampled every cake in Melbourne in her honor — and rightly so. After all, we're a family of dessert lovers. One of the many life lessons my mum passed on is to always check the dessert menu first, to ensure there’s room for sweets. And trust me, we always find room.
These small lessons have shaped me in profound ways. Thanks to my mum, I never show up empty-handed, I walk off heartache, and my home is tidy because I live by her mantra: "Don’t put down, put away.
Women of her generation were full of such practical wisdom. For every problem, there was a simple fix: a warm bath for aches, cold water for injuries, and in our house, a calm “Oh well, never mind” for any drama. Whether it was lost homework or a missing pet, my mum’s steady, no-nonsense approach applied, and it’s one I’ve adopted with my own daughter.
This toughness wasn't a lack of love — quite the opposite. It was a quiet acceptance of life’s realities. Mum’s ability to roll with life’s punches, from small mishaps to greater struggles, mirrors the resilience of her generation. Born just after the Second World War, they faced the traumas of families torn by conflict, yet grew up strong and hopeful.
Now at 80, after enduring loss, illness, and countless ups and downs, my mum embodies both resilience and optimism. When I asked her about life’s hardships, she simply said, “I don’t think people are better off for avoiding struggles.” It’s a lesson I’ll remember the next time my daughter is frustrated by life’s smaller challenges.
Turning 80 means celebrating a lifetime of love, loss, and growth. It’s an ongoing journey, even at her age. For my mum, it looks like long walks, tending to her garden, reading, and deciding she’s cooked enough for one lifetime. It’s about connecting with old friends who still see her as the girl she once was, while the world only sees an elderly woman.
It’s also about slowing down—aching hips, careful steps, and a few extra vaccinations—but also realizing that in old age, young people are kinder, even if shopkeepers sometimes overlook you. It’s a time for quoting Shakespeare, savoring a quiet coffee, and reflecting on life’s moments, even if it brings loneliness.
Above all, it’s being proud of who you’ve become, grateful for each moment that shaped you, and knowing that every part of your journey has been worthy of celebration. And yes, it’s always having room for cake.
In the end, my mother's 80th birthday wasn't just a celebration of years lived, but of the wisdom, strength, and grace she’s carried throughout her life. It reminded me that aging is about more than numbers; it's about embracing the person you’ve become, cherishing the lessons learned, and finding joy in the small moments. Her resilience, optimism, and practical approach to life have shaped not only her journey but mine as well. As she continues to walk through life with a quiet strength, I’m reminded that every year, every challenge, and every triumph is worth celebrating—and always worth saving room for something sweet.