Birthday Gifts

Today is Ben’s first birthday in Heaven.

Last year, we had a quiet celebration (because of the pandemic). As on all of Ben’s 32 birthdays, we said a silent prayer of gratitude, astonished that another year had gone by with him still in our lives. That last year was hard with unexplained brain bleeds and near-death complications, but he had a great birthday week with family and friends, celebrating and was feeling fine.

Four days after his birthday, he was gone.

The day Ben was born changed the trajectory of my life. He taught me many things, and now the anniversary of that day will forever be a reminder to be grateful for the days granted us, a reminder to cherish the sweet moments with loved ones which could be gone in the blink of an eye.

The gift Ben left for us all to unwrap.