No cake and ice cream, but maybe I'll light some candles. Can't mail a card, but I always send a prayer.
I'm not about to forget a special day even if my loved ones longer live on this planet. Commemorating their birthdays is my way of keeping their memory alive.
It started with my best friend's death four decades ago. On what would have been her 24th birthday, I bought her favorite flower, a yellow rose. If Cyndy loved it, I enjoy it on her behalf on her birthday.
On my dad's birthday, I take a short road trip or eat his favorite breakfast of coffee, over-easy eggs and white toast. I was his buddy for many coffee shop adventures. My glamorous great-aunt's memory is best celebrated with a manicure or a gin and tonic. Sweet tea is an excellent toast to my fiercely independent, steel magnolia grandmother.
My husband's birthday was Valentine's Day, so I've just kept rolling with the love theme. The first birthday after he died I hosted a games night attended by his dearest friends. We ate cake and laughed and cried together. That was before Covid. The next three years have been solo remembrances--treating myself to a favorite meal, a visit to a special place or watching his favorite movie (ironically "Better Off Dead").
Birthday memorials may seem like an odd practice, but for me it is a loving remembrance of irreplaceable people. If I cry, I'm smiling through my tears as I sip a sweet tea like my grandmother made for me.
Happy (Heavenly) Birthday, everyone!
— Suztek
I'm not about to forget a special day even if my loved ones longer live on this planet. Commemorating their birthdays is my way of keeping their memory alive.
It started with my best friend's death four decades ago. On what would have been her 24th birthday, I bought her favorite flower, a yellow rose. If Cyndy loved it, I enjoy it on her behalf on her birthday.
On my dad's birthday, I take a short road trip or eat his favorite breakfast of coffee, over-easy eggs and white toast. I was his buddy for many coffee shop adventures. My glamorous great-aunt's memory is best celebrated with a manicure or a gin and tonic. Sweet tea is an excellent toast to my fiercely independent, steel magnolia grandmother.
My husband's birthday was Valentine's Day, so I've just kept rolling with the love theme. The first birthday after he died I hosted a games night attended by his dearest friends. We ate cake and laughed and cried together. That was before Covid. The next three years have been solo remembrances--treating myself to a favorite meal, a visit to a special place or watching his favorite movie (ironically "Better Off Dead").
Birthday memorials may seem like an odd practice, but for me it is a loving remembrance of irreplaceable people. If I cry, I'm smiling through my tears as I sip a sweet tea like my grandmother made for me.
Happy (Heavenly) Birthday, everyone!
— Suztek
Somber subject offered with tenderness and humor. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition
ReplyDeleteA beautiful practice that keeps your loved ones living. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI like this tradition of remembering them on their birthday rather than their day of departure.
ReplyDeleteYour descriptions of the distinct celebrations you have created are like a string of beads. Lovely to feel as they are being read. (Macoff)
ReplyDelete