Well, Sweetheart, you caught up to me again! Happy, Happy Birthday!

I was having a hard time figuring out how I would recognize this milestone date. Over the past years, I’ve included some flowery verses, some whimsical sayings and simple I Love Yous. I could do that again this year, but what kept nagging me is whether they actually celebrate birthdays in heaven.

Let’s face it, down here we recognize milestones because we’re constrained by times and space. I’m not sure that’s the case in heaven. Eternity is a milestone. I mean, without the constraints of time and space, how do they measure milestones? I’m sure there is some way and I can envision the choir breaking out in a chorus of Happy Birthday for you and all those born on this earth-constrained day. I just don’t how that happens.

Down here, we do recognize the day you were born and started your journey through life and into my life and the lives of all your touched. And it’s noteworthy, because you were noteworthy.

Birthdays were never really “special” for us, especially as we meandered into emptying the nest. Baubles and beads were replaced with twosome events — concerts, movies, dinner, weekend trips and even some football games tossed in. I can’t remember the last time either one of us blew out the candles on a cake. And that’s okay. It was — and still is — a time for the two of us.

I wish I could tell you a hundred times {okay, maybe not a hundred, but a lot} how much I love and loved you. Love, like in respect and appreciation and unfailing. I still do that even though our conversations are one-sided and through a bronze veil.

I wish things were different. I wish you were still here with me physically. I miss teasing you and being teased by you. I miss your smile and even your occasional grumpiness — especially in the dawn’s early light. I miss our time together, exploring new adventures together. But, it’s not. Life has a way of changing expectations.

I can tell you, you haven’t aged a day. In fact, in my mind’s eye, you have become more beautiful — if that was at all possible.

So here’s to you, Sweetheart! Happy, Happy Birthday! I hope they have something special planned for you up there. Enjoy it. Savor it. And know you’ll never be forgotten on this side of the river.

That’s why I can still say: With all my love, Happy, Happy Birthday … For all our Yesterdays … Today … Tomorrow … and throughout Eternity.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Say “I love you” freely.