Thursday, July 24, 2008

Happy Birthday!

Today is Mike’s Birthday. He would be turning 35. But instead of a celebration, today is now just another day in the series of endless days that Mike’s absence is deeply felt. Another day that his infectious laughter is missing from my life. Another day that I will think of one of his jokes and wish he were here to tell it. Another day that our house feels empty. Another day that I wish I could talk to him, touch him, feel him or hug him. Another day that I search for a glimpse of his beautiful blue eyes. Another day that I look around, and wonder if he is up there, if he is here, if he is anywhere. Another day that I continue in disbelief that he is actually truly no longer on earth. Another day that I miss him.

Today is Mike’s Birthday. He should be turning 35. He should be here to party, drink, dance and blow out candles with me. But instead of Mike, all I have are a bunch of tangible items, some videos, and a ton of pictures. Instead of Mike, all I have are his memories. Instead of Mike, all I have are his footprints on my heart.

Today is Mike’s Birthday. His very first birthday in the skies. Hope he is having the biggest party up there. Knowing Mike, he is. Happy Birthday, Angel!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mike!!! I think of you often and hope that you are doing well. Thanks for the post and know that he is up there celebrating!!! Hang in there Liz;)
Sincerely
Susanne Teaf

Carver said...

Dear Liz,

I responded to your post on the MPIP but didn't mention that I think it's a great idea for you to make a cake. I'm so sad Mike can't be with you but I love the image of him partying in heaven and I'll add lifting his glass to his beautiful Liz. No one could have had a more supportive partner than Mike had in you and I am deeply sorry that melanoma robbed you of more time together. I wish I had words of wisdom but all I can do is say I carry you in my heart and thoughts.

As ever, Carver

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mike! Please invite Bill to your party in the skies. Liz you know I love you and can truely empathize with your feeling.
Charlotte

Jenni Halley said...

Great to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I was thinking about you around the time of my birthday on the 19th, which was my 35th bday. I knew Mike was just a few days younger than me. I am happy to hear you are getting a cake, we are also for Brian's upcoming bday on Aug. 3. Just focus on your love and happiness. I know taht is easy to say, not so easy to do. Hang in there and know many people care about you.
Jenni

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mike - I KNOW that you are partying and enjoying every moment as only you could!

Liz, It is so great to hear from you! I check often to see how you are doing. I have been thinking about you. I know that you have so many wonderful memories of Mike, and of you and Mike. Cherish them! Laugh, love and enjoy. I am sure that it is not easy - but from what I know about you, you are amazing! Such a strong person (which you probably dont believe - but we all know it). For some reason this has happened, you gave Mike more than anyone else could have. He is lucky for having met you. I hope to hear from you again soon. There are so many people out there sending you prayers and love (people that you dont even know - like me). I will continue to pray and think about you and Mike. I have faith in you! You deserve the best!

Love,
A KU Friend

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Mike! I think about you all the time.
Liz- hang in there and stay strong.

JKalnin said...

Happy Birthday Mike. Liz, we'll celebrate it tonight over a few drinks and some happy thoughts. We all miss him and think about him constantly.

Anonymous said...

Dear Liz,

I just wanted you to know that we still think about you and Mike and you are in my prayers. We can only imagine how painful these months have been for you, and all we can say now is how truely sorry we are for your loss. Mike is in good hands and sleeping peacefully now, free from the beast that robbed him. Liz -- your heart is broken but will mend with time and beautiful memories you shared with Mike. Take Care of yourself "The Smith Family". Sheldon,Donna, and Justin.

Linda said...

Liz you know you have been on my brain alot lately. I always hope to see signs of the grief easing. It isn't though is it? Day in and day out we do what has to be done but there is such a big hole in our lives. It is who we are now. Life will go on for us and we will laugh and smile and enjoy. It has to be that way to honor the memories of such great men. Toasting Mike tinght with a glass of wine. His party continues.
Cyber hugs,
Linda

JKalnin said...

Sadly, it has now been exactly one year since we lost Mike. I hope everything is OK with you Liz. I just wanted you to know that you are both in my thoughts, and not just today, almost every day.

Even though it is a horrible anniversary, I am only going to think about the great times that I had with Mike and how much fun he was to be around. So,in honor of Mike's passing, I am going to picture him up in heaven rolling down some cloud steps riding a keg.

Tonight, everyone raise your glass and have a drink to the memory of Mike. Cheers!