This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Happy Birthday and other stuff....

Today, I know Dena and Charles have been very busy. They also know that I am always a text away. Today, I spent some time with my husband and 3 children. Tomorrow is my youngest child's 3rd birthday. There is an excitement in my home. Julia is praying for a "pink puppy". I am sure that can be arranged being that her gift is at the store still waiting to be bought.
We arrived home from the pool to see what appeared to be a police officer across the street. Dena and her youngest were talking to him. I walked over to talk to her youngest boy. Dena said jokingly, "don't pull me over, tomorrow is my birthday," to the officer. He replied "we won't" and went on his way. I asked and she confirmed, tomorrow is her birthday. With that said, she had business to attend to. I invited her younger boy over to play with my kids. We had a great time.
While playing he did mention some of the hard times of the past week in that profound way children do. He told me that tomorrow his Mom turns 40.

The beginning of the "firsts" begins for this family and the funeral has not even happened yet, this is heart breaking!!!!

I asked her youngest what kinds of cake does his Mommy like? He told me "chocolate". My kids and this little guy played and had a blast. Power wheels, side walk chalk and even 2 small scratches, fixed by a hug, a Minions Band-Aid and a Phineas and Ferb Band-Aid.  If you don't know Dena's youngest, he's a character and a great kid! When Dena was done with her business he ran and asked her "what kind of cake do you like?" I laughed and told him he ratted me out! He asked what that meant, I said it was supposed to be a surprise. Dena, her little boy and I had a great laugh. She said "anything but chocolate, I do not like chocolate."
Birthdays are milestones that should be celebrated despite circumstances. It's a gift to see each coming year, because sadly we have seen first hand how quickly it can be ripped away. I know right now, it does not feel appropriate to Dena under the circumstances or maybe even to others, but 40....40 is a big deal. I know this because I am embarking on 40 myself in a few months. It's a milestone, to me 40 is like really being a grown up for real. In my 20s I recall it as being "old" but really, I was pretty naïve about life in my 20s. I am hoping that Dena can find a little bit of joy tomorrow, even if it is for a few minutes. I also know Iris will be looking down on her daughter and watching from Heaven.
Dena,
You might be hurting too bad to feel her, but she is there with you, I promise you!!! I promise you!!!!
With that said, can you all please help me wish Dena a HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY?

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?