This blog is a little late this week—and for good reason.

Ten days ago, I flew to Canada to be there for my mum’s 90th birthday. And what a weekend it turned out to be.

Honestly, I still can’t quite believe she’s 90. Not because of the number, but because she simply doesn’t look or live like someone you’d expect at that age. She is vibrant, engaged, and full of life.

My mum, Phyllis, has lived an extraordinary life. She is the reason my sister and I have become the women we are today. She taught us how to love deeply, live fearlessly, and show up with kindness, generosity, and gratitude. She has always been our role model—not through words alone, but through the way she lives every single day.

And this weekend was a perfect reflection of that life.

I have to give full credit to my sister, Cynthia, who orchestrated an unforgettable celebration. Not a single person gave anything away—every moment was a surprise.

On Saturday, we took Mum for what she thought was a simple walk before a family dinner. For the first time ever, she hesitated—she didn’t feel like going! Thankfully, Cynthia gently convinced her.

As we approached the building’s party room, the door opened… and there they were.

A room filled with people from every chapter of her life.

From a 94-year-old friend she joined the police force with in 1958—who drove over four hours to be there—to children she babysat in the 70s, lifelong friends, church communities, neighbours, and walking companions. Each table held another memory, another story, another connection.

There were letters from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and her Federal Minister, speeches, laughter, and of course, cake number one.

Later that evening, we gathered for a family dinner—where more loved ones were waiting. More stories, more laughter… and cake number two.

By Sunday, Mum thought the surprises were over.

She was wrong.

Cynthia had planned another gathering—this time with people from her extended community: friends from business, our cottage life, old colleagues, childhood connections, and even family who had travelled from afar.

And then came a truly special moment—a bagpiper playing “Happy Birthday” and “Amazing Grace.” It was powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.

And yes… cake number three.

By the end of it all, we were exhausted—but deeply happy. Everything came together perfectly to celebrate a woman who has given so much to so many.

A remarkable weekend for a truly remarkable woman.

And as we told her more than once—we can’t wait to do it all again for her 100th.

A Remarkable Woman

“Do You Really Know Where You’re Heading?”