This morning when I woke up I thought I heard the faint sounds of the Beatles Birthday Song:
They say it’s your birthday
Well it’s my birthday too, yeah
They say it’s your birthday
We’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you
“I’m glad it’s your birthday,” yes I am. Today is a day that belongs just to you my son. It is a day that on some years are full of great sadness and others are full of celebration. Each year it is one of reflection, family, quiet moments, and love.
Through the years I feel like I have grown to know you just as much as your brother and sister. I feel I know you intimately. Of course, I do not know how to make you laugh when you are down, what is your favorite ice cream, or your favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I do know how you tug at my heart when our friends are celebrating their children’s 8th birthday. I know how you encourage me to be gentle with myself when things get too out of control. You give me permission to be brave and believe in something so much bigger then myself. Your life sprinkles my life with goodness, and for that I am grateful.
Today we will make you a cake, one your sister picked out, I’m sure it will have A LOT of sprinkles and frosting. We will each write you a note and tie it onto one of the twenty red balloons we will let free today. Thank you for being my son, and teaching me how to live a life so deep and so wide. Today my heart sings for you my love.
xxx
Mommy