Dear Mom,

Happy birthday! It might seem strange to wish you a happy birthday when you’ve been gone now for almost eight years, nevertheless, happy birthday. Early this morning I looked through pictures, so many pictures, and the sadness of not being able to call you and sing felt overwhelming. You would love that and hate it in equal parts.

You’d love it because you loved the attention of a birthday. Always the life of the party and thrilled for any reason to celebrate, birthdays were always something special. I miss hearing your voice sing your ‘happy birthday’ song harmony. You’d hate it because I know you want me out there, living life, doing my thing. And you never liked it when I was sad. So I promise in honor of your birthday, the sadness will be temporary and I will go out and chase the day and bring lots of joy wearing your jewelry.

And don’t worry, MY SISTER and I will celebrate you after Shabbat in the best way we know how.

I miss you and love you forever,

Ellie