I Suck At Celebrating My Son's Birthday

Monday was Labor day. In addition to honoring our workers, Monday also happened to be my son's (Braden) birthday. Too bad I suck at celebrating my son's birthday. Had Braden survived, he would have turned three on Monday. Happy birthday Braden!

I still miss Braden. In some ways, I suppose I should consider myself lucky. Although Braden only lived for a week, that time is more than some people get. So I'm thankful to have known my son for that one week.

My seventeen month old daughter (Briana) never got to meet Braden. Unfortunately, she will only know her brother through pictures and videos. It's too bad because I think Braden would have adored Briana (and vice versa). Or perhaps that may be a good thing. If Braden is anything like his sister, he'd be just as curious and then I'd have two mischievous little children running around the house and wreaking havoc everywhere instead of one.

Needless to say, I'll never know what life would be like raising Braden. I can only imagine the great things that he would have done had he survived.

Anyway for the past two years, Karen and I have been getting an ice cream cake to celebrate Braden's birthday. This year was no different. I think Briana may have thought the cake was for her because she seemed quite exited about the ice cream cake with three candles on it.

The ice cream cake was good. It was a nice way to end the low key day which consisted of a family outing to the cemetery and then to Norwell's 4th Annual Picnic on the Common. For anyone curious, the Picnic on the Common was actually fun. There was a magician who was great with the kids. There was a band. There were animals. There was free lemonade (Yum!). It was nice.

All things considered, it was a good day for celebrating Braden's birthday. Again, happy birthday Braden! Daddy still and will forever love you. I'll never forget you, Little B.