After you reach a certain age birthdays seem to become less and less important. Only so many candles will fit on a cake. As the decades go by you would rather not think about how old you have become and prefer to savor to the best of your ability what is left of your life. If you can. It’s not always going to be an easy journey. Savor it.
If you’re really lucky, the pain and discomfort of your ageing body can be offset by the loving comfort of your lover’s presence. Birthdays are a celebrations of existence. Living another year together. Being as happy as you can with your life. Savor it.
Today is my lover’s birthday. For the last few years we have been passing the same birthday card back and forth. It’s a cute card with Snoopy on the front that says “Guess who loves you today” and on the inside it says “Same person who loves you every day but today you get a card! Happy Birthday”. We really enjoy passing the card back and forth. We usually go out for a meal in celebration. Our own little tradition.
This year the card will sit on my desk while I grieve and mourn her not being here to celebrate her existence and our traditions. I will remember her life and our time together and savor it.
Nanka, I miss you so.
rcb