Happy Birthday

Two famous people that have enriched the lives of millions of people were born on this day, 16 TH December. Beethoven and Jane Austen.
Beethoven was supposedly born on 16 Th December 1770, and Jane Austen on 16 Th December 1775.
Jane Austen, by all accounts had a very happy family life and was particularly close to her father. Probably a bit like the character Lizzie in Pride and Prejudice.
Beethoven, on the other hand, seems to have had a miserable childhood and went deaf in later years.
He managed to compose some of the most beautiful music ever heard while he was completely deaf., and in spite of all the adversity in his life, this is one of his lovely quotes :-
"Never shall I forget the time I spent with you. Please continue to be my friend as you will always find me yours".

Now, many people born on this day have also enriched the lives of those around them, without being famous, just by being them. Starting with their Mum and Dad. I can speak from experience to say that a baby born near Christmas is a wondrous , joyous occasion.

there is a little poem in my birthday book that is very appropriate here:

The world has no such  flowers in any land
And no such pearl in any gulf the sea
As any babe on any mother's knee

Algernon Charles Swinburne ( I hope I didn't have to ask his permission, but Thanks Algie!!)

Whenever I see someone who  seems to have been broken by life's circumstances ,I think "That person was surely, once someone's infinitely precious baby ".

So to all those who have their birthday today a very special happy birthday and may you have a wonderful year surrounded by love and joy and enriching the lives of those around you- just by being you !