My husband, whos just turned forty-five, forgot my birthday on the 27th of February and that very day went off fishing with his pals. While he was gone, I prepared such a surprise that hes guaranteed never to forget this date again.
Once again, he forgot my birthday and set off to the river with his friends. But this time, as he reeled in trout, I was preparing a surprise at home that will make sure he never lets this date slip his mind.
By the time hed reached fifty, my husband Edward had developed a rather remarkable talent. He could recall exactly when to change the oil in the car, the day of his next fishing trip, and when the pike started biting. But when it came to family dates, his mind seemed to wipe itself clean.
I usually rescued the situation with a gentle hint, a post-it note, or a direct question. But for my forty-fifth, I longed for something different. No reminders, no requests. After twenty-five years of marriage, youd think hed know better.
Friday morning, Edward darted about the house, gathering up fishing rods and stuffing his rucksack.
Sarah, have you seen my flask? The lads are waiting. Were off to the Thames. Prime time for fishing, Ill be back Sunday. Phone signal will be patchy.
He pecked me on the cheek, barely making eye contact. Try not to get bored. Treat yourself to something nice.
The door slammed behind him. I moved over to the calendar. The date was circled in redmy birthday. He hadnt just forgotten; hed actually chosen this day to leave.
At first, I felt hurt. Then all emotion drained away and I felt oddly calm. An idea took shape: a way to make sure my husband, who preferred tackle and old mates to his own wife, would never overlook me again. I started planning, and when he came home, his surprise was ready. Theres no way hell ever forget my birthday after this.
Let me share what I did.
Edward had a secret stasha tidy fund hed been carefully putting away for a new outboard motor. The cash was kept in a safe. I knew the code, as his perfect memory slipped now and then.
It was a tidy sumalmost £6,500. I opened the safe and made my decision.
That weekend was like nothing Id ever allowed myself before. I ordered a caterer, invited all my girlfriends, and decorated the house with blooms. There was music, laughter, and sparkling wine. Next evening, dinner at a restaurant overlooking London. Then a spa day.
And finallya brooch Id admired for ages, but always put aside due to our shared plans.
Sunday evening, the door opened. Edward came in, grinning, a bucket of fish swinging from his hand.
Well then, look at this haul! Had a smashing time!
He stepped into the lounge and stopped dead. Empty wine bottles on the table, bouquets in the corner, bags from expensive shops on the sofa.
Whats happened here? Did we have guests?
We did, I replied calmly. It was my birthday. Forty-five, remember?
He froze. Then let out a deep breath. Bloody hell… Sarah, I genuinely forgot. Just got completely tied up, you know how it is…
I know, I cut him off. Thats why I didnt get upset. Organised it all myself. Got my present toowithout your help.
His gaze flicked to the study. The safes door was ajar. He paled and darted over. In a minute, he came back, hollow-eyed.
Wheres the money? Its all gone! Wheres my savings?
I gestured to the room. Here. Thats where they went.
You spent the lot? That was for the motor! Id been saving two years!
And Ive been patient for twenty-five, I said quietly but firmly. You forgot my milestone birthday. I decided youd remember this one.
He sank onto the sofa and stared, first at his fish, then the empty safe, then at me. Hard to quarrel when officially, the money was shared.
He cleaned his fish in silence.
Six months on, hes saving up again. Now, though, his phone pings reminders a month, a week, and a day before every important date. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons are costly. But this one, hell never forget.
