Date: Thursday July 10, 2025
Mood: Heavy
Music: Marry You by Bruno Mars
Dear Richard,
Happy Birthday.
And Happy Birthday to Josh.
It’s the cruelest calendar coincidence of my life. My son and my soulmate, born on the same day.
We had a party for Josh tonight. He’s twenty one now. We had cake. We sang. I stood there clapping, smiling at my son, watching the candlelight flicker on his face.
You'd be proud of the man he's become. I know I am.
"Make a wish!" Susan yelled.
Josh closed his eyes. He blew out the candles.
And in the smoke, I made a wish, too.
I wished you a happy 46th.
I feel like a monster, Richard. I am splitting my joy. Half of me is celebrating the life of my child, and the other half is holding a private vigil for you. I’m singing to him, but I’m thinking of you.
I wonder if you remember that you share the day. I wonder if, when you blow out your candles tonight, you think about the little boy who used to draw with charcoal on our floor.
Happy Birthday to the two men who changed my life. One I kept. One I, stupidly, let go.
Love always,
Taylor