THANK YOU
I'll try to respond at least to some of the messages individually.
Why is this birthday in difficult times?
My dad is in hospital since many weeks; after an operation his condition continues to be very serious, he's now in vigil coma. It is very unlikely that he will survive for long time.
So obviously this made christmas, new year and also my birthday not "happy days".
This is also a reason for me to stay in Germany more often and for longer times, so I can support my mother and help in many practical things. As the last thing before going to hospital my dad had finally sold his firm, and the new owner started on Jan 1st - which is good, but leaves many practical things to be organized now.
So it is sad times, nevertheless I'm very grateful for my dad, and all that he tought me, gave me, means for me. Making sure his loved ones are under good care had always been top priority - and I can even see this now in the way he'd "prepared" for the most painful situation we have to go through now.
Life is tough, and life is rich.
My best birthday present: my both sons sang for me today, Tim playing his new e-guitar, and Lukas performing with an impressive voice, which he has developed and trained in the last months. Wow.