THE BIRTHDAY CLUB NO ONE WANTS TO JOIN

It is more a Remembrance Day than a birthday. There is no cake, no candles to blow out, and no gifts to open. The sorrow of losing a loved one by death, unresolved disappearance, or estrangement is never more pronounced than on their birthday. Since they are gone, it is a somber, sad affair. A Remembrance Day where sweet memories can quickly go from a smile to tears.
The passing of time does not make it easier. The reminder of their absence is magnified on their special day. Grieving people find ways to cope, but the hurt never goes away. It a feeling of emptiness, a hole in their heart that will never completely heal.
I am a member of this dire birthday club. Today would have been my grandson’s sixth birthday. The last time we sang Happy Birthday to him was two years ago, the day he turned four. Being without him still seems surreal. His sudden death makes me wish it was only a bad dream. I will wake up and see his sweet smile again.
I am not alone. There are millions of people worldwide remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays without their loved ones. They keep on keeping on, relying on faith, family and friends to get them through the day.

In memory of Gabriel Alexander Jordan, our sweet angel boy