My birthday weekend is approaching, and it will be the first without my mother who passed away in May. I've been dreading my special day this year, because I know that this year there won't be a phone call from her.
She wasn't mobile, so it's not like we ever went out to celebrate. When she was in better health, she always cooked me a special birthday meal. But as she got older, and her health got worse she would sometimes order some food. But at the very least, I'd get a phone call and she'd always tell me about what time I was born - some time near midnight. She was always so enthusiastic about it!
Usually for my birthday I go out for dinner or brunch with friends. But I have to say, this year I have no interest in doing any of that stuff. I kind of just want to get away to a cabin in the woods or something, and just have something quiet.
My sister celebrated her birthday last month, and she too struggled with this milestone. She said she had dreams (nightmares) of our mum the night before.
How do you cope with the first milestones without your loved ones?
