It’s easy for me to get through this because I have you. Everyone here gets sad and melancholy sometimes. But the moment sadness starts creeping up on me, I begin thinking about you. About how funny you are, and wonderful, and so beautiful. About how your voice sounds like you’re a cartoon character, and how you get indignant when I tease you about it. Really, about anything having to do with you. And the sadness slithers away before it can even reach me. Of course, I hate having to wish you a happy birthday like this—from a distance. What kind of birthday greeting is that? I should be waking up in the morning and quietly sneaking into the next room, rustling a gift bag as I pull out your present. Or waking the kids, handing them flowers so they can come wish you a happy birthday too—sleepy, in their pajamas, padding along barefoot. I’d come in, and you’d be lying there pretending to be asleep, waiting for me to kiss you on the nose and wake you up officially. Well, all right, for now that’s impossible. But even just thinking about you is already a great deal. Thank you for being here. Don’t get sick, and don’t be sad. Happy birthday! Love you ❤️