I have a childhood friend whose birthday is today. As childhood relationships often do, this one faded as we moved through adulthood. There never was a falling out, but it just sort of went away.
This person was the Maid of Honor at my wedding. I can’t look at my wedding album without seeing photos of her everywhere, and it makes me sad. When her mother died last year I would have wanted to be there, but she would not talk to me when I called.
And this day, her birthday, is the hardest. Because 11 years ago, when faced with choosing a date for my elective C-section, I chose this day as the day that my son was to be born. Now her birthday has a permanent place of honor in my family.
I know some relationships are best let go. And I have tried for many years to let go of this one. But, I am sad, and I miss my friend. I can tell you the last time I saw her, when I ran into her by accident in the mall parking lot, when I had just found out I was pregnant with my son. Sadly, she has never met the boy with whom I honored her, by having him on her birthday.
So, Happy Birthday, Beth, wherever you are and whatever you may be doing today. I hope 2013 is a great year for you. This day will always be a happy one for me, because of my son. So, in a way, thank you for that. And, I just want to say that I miss you.
