The day after my older daughter’s birthday, she decided to have a conversation with her Daddy. She picked up a pretend phone and started talking to him. She said “Daddy, you did not call me on my birthday. You did not even send a message. So I just pretended like you called me. I miss you and I love you”.

I was saddened as I listened to the conversation. I asked her how she was feeling. Cheerfully, she said I am fine, I was just talking to Daddy. I was also impressed with her coping mechanism. I know she misses her Dad dearly, she talks frequently about him and thinks of him often.  I know she felt his absence on her birthday and yet she proceeded to make the most of the day celebrating with family and friends.

We have all had our “first” birthdays without David and it has not been easy, although we made it a point to celebrate each one. It also leaves me with great trepidation as the thought of having the rest of our birthdays without David is so unbearable.

Missing you more each day.