Well, well, well, do let it be noted that I outlived Elvis who died at 42 in 1977. And here I am starting my 44th year on this earth today.

Loads of emails, krabbels and phone calls from far away places and my sweet mum spoiling me rotten with mouthwatering Surinamese delicacies. The whole day was oozing with love.

Yet how I miss the voices of my cousin Faisja and dearest 'tante Mien'. Neither will know about these darling students of mine, my returning to NMO or whatever else life has in store for me.

In your light I learn how to love.

In your beauty, how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest,

Where no one sees you.

But sometimes I do,

And that sight becomes this art.

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (Afghan poet 1202 - 1273)