My Filterless Friend . . . . . .

I find myself very lucky in life, i have an amazing family, a heart and life full of special peeps, some of the most endearing and caring girlfriends, a few brothers from other mothers, and a roof over my head.

My girls are so important to me, that each of their birthdays I try to write my blog to them. I don't do birthday cards, i find it easier to say things on paper than face to face - so here i go.

Have you ever had 'that friend' that can make you pee your pants with one word; or can silence a room in disbelief when her 'filter' forgets to turn on; or will run to your side at the slightest need; and that makes you feel special each and every time you see her. Well I am very lucky to have one of those friends.

There is a group of us that love to giggle, laugh, share and chat - and on occasion manbash. Some are my BMX peeps, my girls in the reg trailer, and the concession trailer and parents of some wonderful kids. Jewlz, Trac, LeeAnne, Cathy, Sue, Mindy and many more. One is my inner conscience and spiritual inspiration, and a camera chick - and that is Pammy. One is my blood, my sister, my confidant, my friend - Linzi.

But when i feel the need to be told 'just the bloody way it is' I usually talk to Debs. Straight from the hip, honest, true, unfiltered, cussing, laughing, crying, all these words can be used to describe her. From our bitch sessions to laughter; from whining to wine; from bmx to camera time - we seem to have connected and are able to share most of our time chatting away.

We connected again a few years ago, after 'working together' for Burlington BMX. It was like we had not missed a beat. We got right back into our comfortable familiar routine of knowing when the other needed to talk; hugging each other through hard times; and crossing our legs so we didn't pee as we were laughing so hard.

My friend, my confidant, my unfiltered mate . . . . have a wonderful birthday - wish i could be there to celebrate with you . . but we will raise a few glasses in October at our Girls Only Retreat .

Love ya Debs . . . .

Don't sweat the small stuff . . . .

Paul MaGee . . . . all round nice guy . . . . all round great brother-in-law and uncle to my brats. Great dad, husband, father and friend. Shame he is a Man Utd Fan, but everyone has their weaknesses :)

Paul MaGee has not had an easy time the past 8 years. In 2003 he had his first kidney transplant, transplanted from his mum. I remember vividly sitting in the hospital waiting room with the family, until we heard the news that it has all been successful, and that Paul and his mum were in recovery, and had come thru the surgery well.

2 years ago, Paul started to feel a bit 'not right' again . . .and recently found out he needed to have a second transplant - this will take place tomorrow, August 30, 2011. Paul is such a strong man that he will come through this with all the strength and power he has.

Pauls little ones, Keeley and Teegan might not quite understand why daddy is away for a few weeks; but with Dianne and Nanna Powell there, we all know just how well cared for they will be - and kept busy so they dont have time to worry too much about daddy.

Pauls immediate and extended family are amazingly strong - must be the British blood! And we will be there for the kids and Dianne all the way through this hard time.

So Paul, I will tell you this . . . . you are strong, you are a good man, and you will come through this faster, stronger and better (insert 6 Million Dollar Man theme music here); your family will hold you, support you, help you and strengthen you. From taking care of the girlies, to helping Dianne, to just being a voice at the end of a phone line, late at night. We will all be there for you my friend.

Just do me one favour - when they have you under the anaesthetic, ask them to also fix that brain cell that is defective - you know the one - that one that tells you to cheer for Man U!

Love you brother - don't see you enough - but when I do, feel like we only chatted the day before.

Love, hope and strength to you and your brother (donating this kidney) and I will buy the first Guinness ok!

Love, nicky

Happy Birthday Baby Sister

Well, in the summer of 1967 - holy shit, yes 1967 - I seem to have a memory of being shuttled across to #10 Kinnoul Road, to the Bennett's house, the family that lived opposite us. This may not be my memory, but what my older sister has told me about that day - August 18th.

Debs was 7, I was 2 (that is why i don't think a true memory) when little sister Linzi decided to enter the world. Apparently we watched from the Bennett's window to see what colour blanket our dad would put up at the window of our house. Both Linzi and I were delivered by midwives at home. A pink blanket was raised to the window - another Edwards daughter had arrived.

When I look at my nephew Logan now, I see Linzi all over again as a young child. Same face, same build . . . . I can remember playing for hours at Normand Park; going to Richmond Park with the whole family; her crush on the counsellor at Butlins one year (the curly haired guy called Dave i think); her skinhead hair cut; her being told she could play the cymbals after one day on the bugle at Girls Brigade; her constant willingness to help out whoever was in need; and her undying and undeniable defence of her family and friends in any situation.

I remember walking with her at Gilliatt secondary school when our mum was coming up for School Interviews - and mum had left her hair colour on too long, and her hair matched her pink shirt, i think we both turned and ran. I remember having to get on the train to go to our dads on the other side of London, and not realizing that the station name on the front of them train was the last one on that line - and that we didn't have to wait until one with the station name we wanted came along - I think we sat there for ages . . . . . . until our big sis came to find us cos our dad had been waiting for hours at the other end.

I remember her graduating from Police college while I was pregnant with Kyle; and being so proud of her for living her dream. I was at the birth of both of my nephews, as a coach, and didn't know that my baby sister could yell that loud, or grip that hard. She was also the first one through the door when both my boys were born.

I remember her tough times with the ex, and the late night calls, and coffee chats, and calm down sessions; i remember her hugging me when i need it; i remember her being the most wonderful aunt to my boys.

I know that she has a heart of gold; has faced many a challenge but still soared to the top; is the strongest advocate Logan could ever wish for; the greatest, loving mom that Chase could ever want. She is a great Aunt, amazing friend, super sister, wonderful sister in law.

She is my baby sister. I love her, i respect her, I admire her - at times I envy her . . . . but most of all I am proud to call her my sister. Her arms are always open; her door is never closed - and once you are 'one of her mates', she will protect you to the end.

Yes, we have argued - yes we have yelled and cried; yes we have said things we shouldn't - but no matter what, no matter where, no matter when - we will be there for each other. There is a reason we are sisters . . . . . . and I love my baby sister very much.

so Happy Birthday Linzi Lou . . may this year bring you more peace, serenity, love, friendship, and everything you wish for. I love you.