
so today was steakbellies birthday.  it used to be such a momentus occasion.  one that he rightfully deserves!!!
  i am BIG on birthdays, it 's the one day that you can celebrate yourself and not have to share  with anyone.  
You are either celebrated or not.  i REALLY try to make sure that all the special people in my life are acknowledged on their birthday. 
However, 5 years ago, the day after SB's birthday,  my most admired friend/godmother of my first born,  at the age of 46, died, literally in my arms, in her beautiful home a block from the beach. ( A home she got from her malpractice settlement for not identifying stage 3  breast cancer) , and Gosh darnit, every year I remember, and i am cranky and solemn. 
I rejoice and celebrate for SB, he is my most favorite person in the world!!  However,  I can't help but remember asking him to drive us  (me and godmother)  from the hospital so that she could die in front of her chrstmas tree, on his birthday 5 years ago. (I was her custodial something or other)
 He of course, in his sensative steakbellie fashion, agreed.  That night, in front of the tree I held her in my arms in a hospital bed (we wheeled had wheeled into her living room),  at 5:20 am and watched her grasp for her last breath.  i encouraged her to let go and told her it was better where she was going. I was angry and wanted to encourage her to fight but I knew it was to late.  She needed peace. 
It was just the 2 of us.  At 6:00 am I called SB, "She's gone", I said.  He made it from Pa to the beach in NJ in less that an hour andthrew shells into the ocean with me.  As always, by my side.  
I love you SB-  Happiest of all birthdays- cheers to many more.