Last weekend my brothers (from New York and Boston) and I flew to Holland for a weekend of celebrations for my mother (Annemarie) turning 80 years old. My mother has lived in London for the past 47 years but was born and raised in Rotterdam before she moved to Amsterdam, the US and then London. She wanted to celebrate her birthday with old school friends, her cousins and her nephews and nieces who mostly all live in Holland. It was a fantastic weekend. On the first evening, we had a dinner with my mum and step father and my siblings and our families. The next day we were joined by my cousins for a historic tram tour through Rotterdam followed by a visit to the house my mother was born and raised in (thanks to the very kind current home owners). In the evening, the extended family and friends (some from my mum’s primary school days) joined us for another dinner followed by dancing. Mama, congratulations!!. As I said in my speech, you go above and beyond for everybody – family, friends, neighbours, and strangers. We are so lucky to have you as our mum xx​