When we were children we
used to give you the Giles
annual at Christmas:
‘To Dad, with lots of love,
from Simon, Sarah & Nick.’And we still enjoy those
brilliantly drawn accounts
of loving family
life in which everyone –
cantankerous grandma,the bobby, the parson,
postman, prime minister,
ma, pa, cold-struck Vera,
and the children, mad dogs,
cats, and neighbours, lived withcheerful – if chaotic –
confidence that they were
loved and treasured. On your
eighty-fifth birthday I
know my siblings will joinme in telling you that
it has been like that for
us, Dad. You and Mum are
creators; together
you made that greatest giftof all – our family
lives in that confidence
too. Happy birthday, and
thank you. Eighty-five times
and counting, we love you.SRM
remembering RM, 10 January 1932 – 18 October 2017 &
JMT, his daughter-in-law, 23 February 1960 – 13 January 2018
with deepest love xx
wind in my wheels 🌱 
Strange coincidence. Our children always bought the Giles annual for Charles at Christmas time and yesterday was Charles’ 83 birthday. Happy birthday to your father and to all loving fathers. I wish I could pen such endearing words, but I’ll pinch yours. I get more like grandma Giles with advancing years!
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Happy birthday for Charles, from both of us. Nah, you’re not fierce enough to be Grandma Giles, nor, I believe, do you own a brolly with a parrot’s head on the handle! xx
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Wishing your dear dad a very happy birthday, Simon!
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Thanks very much Lori. I’ll be glad to pass your message on xx
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The true, abiding blessing of family…of parents who can be celebrated, and children wise enough to do so. Happiest of birthdays to your dad from your friend across the pond. Xx
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Blessing indeed. Thank you, Mimi. I’ll greet him for you xx
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