Jon’s birthday was yesterday, his 81st. He wasn’t there, of course. So, widowed, I celebrated his birthday without him.
The occasion called for cake — chocolate, in Jon’s case.
I bought two mini cupcakes at the neighborhood bakery, one for him and one for me. Jon might be gone, but there are still two of us. Right?
Time is passing: what didn’t happen to Jon will happen to me in a few months. My 81st birthday will come. And then it will go.
Time has a way of doing that, of hustling us along.
Right now, it’s taking me farther and farther from Jon.
It’s also pressing me toward a future. One I might like, once I get there.
Read about a socially distanced birthday at “It’s My Birthday and I’m Really Old.” Cake is great, but so is beef. More about that at “Confessions of a Carnivore.”
Want to think hard about time? Try this web page: “Does Time Pass?”
I rejoice that you two are still doing things together in love. It warms my heart. Bless you for sharing your life with Jon. 💕💕🌈🙏. Joy
Thank you, Joy!
Another very touching piece, B. Sorry I never had the privilege of meeting Jon.
You two would have enjoyed each other. Lots of newspaper shop talk to share.
Hi Barb, my daughter and I were wondering about a birthday cake for Jerry, his birthday is March 25, the day of visitations. She said, Mom should we have a cake? I didn’t know what to say. I want to thank you for the beautiful flowers, and the wonderful cookies, it was so thoughtful of you. I see now what you are feeling. Thank you so much
My heart goes out to you. This is not easy … As for the birthday cake, I’m finding that trusting my feelings and wishes helps a lot. I wanted to mark Jon’s birthday in some way, and the two small cupcakes seemed just right. If a birthday cake for Jerry feels right, if that’s what you all want to do, I say, trust your feelings.
Thanks for this…next week is one year.
His birthday is March 30 and he would be 81 this year.
Your posts bring me much comfort.
It’s been a whole year, and we’re still not used to being without them. Right?
Do you think that perhaps Jon would be amused that you had found a good justification for eating two cupcakes?
Yes! I think I was aiming that joke at Jon. But I would point out to him that they were very small cupcakes.