Would you re-do your 18th birthday if you could?

Looking through my old photos, I found a batch of pictures from my 18th birthday. Nothing went as planned, that is why I remember it particularly well and decided to write something about it.

I was supposed to celebrate it with my late father in the USA, but he got really sick, so there had to be made last minute changes. As logical as the decision was, I also felt disappointed. I guess that happens when you're young and are anxiously awaiting something that certainly won't happen anymore.

My mom had to order a cake that would be ready 24hrs later and I hardly had time left to plan a party.

But when I woke up, there was this cute little Betty Boop cake, which suited me perfectly, since I'm crazy for Betty Boop.

My invited friends seemed a bit let down, because they had higher expectations, but for me, it was a dream coming true. Jessica Rabbit, Betty Boop & Penelope Pitstop are amongst my favorite cartoons. Being quite insecure back then, this was a turning point for me. Honestly, perhaps if this had happened one year before, I might have felt different, but this was my day. I didn't care about their opinions and ate 2 or 3 big pieces of cake. Yummie!

Also important is, my sister, who lived quite far from us, was on her way to me to celebrate my birthday. I have 2 halfsisters from my mom's side and with one of them, I've got a unique situation.

Her name is Saray and she is 7 years older than I am. She is next to me in this picture, both holding gifts we got, at her former house.

I was born on her birthday on june 16th, 1989. She hated it back then, because I'd spoiled her big celebration, but now we love it. Because people can't understand how two halfsisters, that are Gemini's, yet not twins, could be born on the same day. It's a fun fact now.

Of course it was her birthday as well and she managed to include me in her gathering.

There were decorations, flowers and while I hadn't expect it; a lot of gifts. Apparently they had bought me presents in advance, for when I would return to Holland and weren't left empty handed. I remember that very well, because I felt like no one had forgotten me, even though I was supposed to not even be present.

Going to bed that night, I was extremely happy. Not because I was spoiled, but because I felt like I couldn't have had a better 18th birthday. Not even if I'd been living it up on vacation with my late dad. Because I would have missed out on the presence of all my other loved ones. I would never consider, if some fairy would give me the chance, re-doing my 18th birthday. It was perfect. However, I would love to re-live it sometime!

Question for those who might read this; how was your 18th birthday? any special memories or feelings attached to it?