Forever young

Well, tomorrow is Joe’s birthday. His first heavenly birthday. He would have been 58 here on earth. But instead, he is forever 57. Forever young.

Every year on his birthday I would wake him up and remind him he was only two years younger than me, give him a kiss, and proceed to spend the day celebrating him. There was almost always Hideaway Pizza and beer. Concert tickets were gifts more often than not. And sometimes a party was planned at home with our friends and family, especially the birthdays after cancer. We knew how important it was to celebrate those milestones.

My Joe was a simple man. A crazy guy at times, but really a simple soul. He didn’t need big elaborate gifts, but I loved showering him with surprises. He just wanted to feel the love. He was always so grateful.

Tomorrow I’ll be grateful to God for bringing Joe into my life. I’ll remember every single birthday spent together and smile at the joy he brought me. And while the pain is still so raw and my heart is still in pieces, I will remember this man of mine who was larger than life itself. The love he had for me will surely carry me all of my days.

To Joe: Every “first” widens the gap between when we were “us” and just me. While tomorrow will pass with quiet reflection, I hope the celebration where you are is filled with all the love you deserve. Happy Heavenly Birthday Baby. I know you built a ladder to the stars and climbed up every rung. May you stay forever young.