“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel.” Maya Angelou

28 January 2018.

Maya Angelou, the American poet and civil rights activist was right. But I would like to add one thing: 
People will remember even more what they learn from you.

And that was how I started my birthday speech.

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

It seems like yesterday. Proudly, I was standing in front of my white birthday cake dressed in my white dress. My family, my friends and fountains of food surrounded my cake. The humming sound of the air-conditioner fought against the Malaysian heat. It was the last time I celebrated my birthday with all my family members altogether. I was 8 years old.

By Sabine!

Decades later, today and humbly, I am standing in front of my new family and my new friends - in my blue dress. Fountains of food are surrounding my birthday muffin. The German heating system is fighting the Bavarian winter.

What I learn from you - Friendship 

Through time and distance, whenever we are in Weidach, this small Northern Bavarian village, Flo always says, “Let’s meet friends!” Now, I am super happy to see Steffen and Silke here and look back at the funny football moments. Handsome Heiko, truthful Trent and mysterious Mel even came to the Weidach carnival! Through good times and bad times, I see the Goers and the Muecks, Flo’s family, slipping through the decades of solid friendship. It just fills my heart to see the beauty of friendship.

What I learn from you - Generosity.

Last summer, in French Provence, I saw Anja and Tanja help each other so generously with the kids. Today, as Sabine is being busy with arranging the surprise party, I heard Anja saying to Frida, “Do you want me to help you cut the food on your plate?” From the sidewalk, I can see Sabine, Martin and Christoph prepare the food in the kitchen. Christian, the good politician, teaches me good politics. It warms my heart to see such generous souls!

What I learn from you - Love

The love of a grandmother Eva travelling 500km to be with her grandson Nils, my Godson. For his birthday two days later. My new family and my new friends, you show me love; you show me care; you make sure I don’t miss out on a birthday party far from home.

Weidach, Germany

Indeed, I may forget what you said, I may sometime forget what you did, I may not forget how you make me feel, but I definitely will not forget what I learn from you: friendship, generosity and love.

CHEERS!!