Happy birthday, big boy!
Evan and doggie cake
When I first arrived in Madagascar tw0-and-a-half years ago little Evan was just two (and a half). One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was about his fourth birthday. Today he turns five. I enjoyed seeing him grow up and can’t believe that he is already this old / only this old. Most of the time he acts like a pre-teen as he debates with his four brothers and his parents…
I’ve written about him often, and so will try not to repeat myself. But it was kind of sad to hear him say of his low-key early birthday party last Saturday: “It’s a single-friend birthday party because Aunty Anri is coming.”
Evan cannot sleep without his “doggie” and I used to mess with him by sticking the fluffy animal on top of doors or up on the curtain rail. Evan would see him and cry out, “Doooooogggggggiiiiiieeeeee….” and then try to clamber precariously up onto a chair or shelf to get him. One day he left Doggie at school, so I jumped on my motorbike to fetch “him” without Evan knowing. He was distraught, but his mom and dad told him that if he stood outside the back door and called loudly enough that Doggie was sure to come home. Just then I arrived with him on my motorbike. I told Evan I was on my way home and saw Doggie running down the road, so I gave him a lift. He was overjoyed…
Sometimes Doggie would go missing just before bedtime and one would find the whole family, complete with flashlights, searching in cupboards, in the bushes outside and on top of doors just so little Evan could go to sleep…
And that’s why his birthday cake was so appropriate. Doggie. The boys always get to choose the theme for their cake. I’m amazed at Sue’s ingenuity at being able to create whatever they ask for!
It’s at times like this that I’m particularly sad not to be in Madagascar anymore. Happy birthday, Evan!
Two doggies
Evan the five-year-old
There’s more about Evan on my former blog Madder in Mada
6 Comments on “Happy birthday, big boy!”
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They called me weed
I have been blogging here since around April 2011 - my little place on the blogosphere to express myself creatively. As a teenager I used to write a diary - in fact, as a 17-year-old living in Belgium, I wrote religiously every day. Fortunately the Internet didn't exist back then because my ramblings as a teenager were ever-so-slightly dark, cynical and depressing. You won't find much of that here. Also, mostly, I try not to get too deep or philosophical in this forum - I'd like my photography to uplift and inspire, and, where I can, I try to bring a bit of humour into my writing too. I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively and have made many friends across the globe. This is my spot to keep in touch with them.
Thanks Rob. We all miss you too.
There are big tears in my eyes, thank you Robin from Ouma Tish in East London!
aaaah-how cool is that cake!! great job susie-darling!! happy birthday my sausage – i miss you all so much! thanks for the great blog rob!
Rob you have a way with words that is so precious! Sue awesome cake…. You are a talented lady… Love Jax
Brilliant, beautiful post, thanks Rob, sorry I couldn’t have enjoyed more time with them like you!
We missed you loads.