On September 3, 2018 my family is facing the first holiday after my brother’s death and it is NOT Labor Day we are celebrating. The first big holiday is a very personal day: his birthday….his 60th birthday. Peter was looking forward to turning 60 but he will be forever 59. Peter’s voice is ringing in my head so much tonight…his laughter as we would sing Happy Birthday, his dramatic response to being the center of attention with that bobble of his head & twinkle in his eye keeps playing on and my tears begin to fall. I was there for all 59 of those special days…

Birthdays have taken on new meaning as I proceed through life and gather more wisdom. It is wonderful to be present to witness your own birthday, however, it is a celebration for those that love you too.  So tomorrow we will celebrate the love we had for Peter.

We will eat his favorite foods: hot dogs, baked beans, frozen pizza, chips and dip, topped with root beer floats. We will watch a couple of his favorite movies: Star Wars, Glory, and a few classic Disney movies. We will light a candle for the whole day to honor the light of his life and remember the things he enjoyed in his life.

Wishing you peace and sending you our love to you in heaven Peter!