Firsts. We began our year of firsts last Wednesday night. We had our first night without Jaidon. We had our first morning without him. Our first weekend without him. Today, my first birthday without him. Sunday, a Father’s Day I am sure will be gut-wrenching.
I woke up, no night terrors last night. Still, I woke without knowing what the day may bring. I certainly asked myself if I would be able to enjoy the day. A little distraction was needed. Martin Vega swooped in for breakfast. Off to IHOP. We sat and talked about things. Hard things. The love of a father. The love of an uncle. It was then I noticed this old man and his wife come in. My eyes, for whatever reason, locked onto them. We finished eating and I said that I felt compelled to buy their meal. No biggie. Then I did something I would never have done after buying a mea like this, I went over to them. I told them that I bought their breakfast. He asked why. Because I needed to. His wife smiled and told me it was his birthday. 81 today. I told him it was mine also. Coincidence, maybe. He talked about being a truck driver, which my father did for a long time. Coincidence, maybe not. Then Mr. Ware told me I looked as if something was on my mind. I sat and discussed Jaidon for some time. Mrs. Ware told me that our meeting was destiny. We also discussed Camille and how beautiful she was.
Came home and sulked. I had to do legal things and discuss insurance. Really, not fun. I was also thinking about the Gagné family. Having to go to West Virginia to get Camille must have been horrible amd special at the same time. My heart is breaking for them. I can’t wait to see them tomorrow night and celebrate Camille’s life.
I was excited because some of Jaidon’s crew asked to come over! Of course. I’ll make dinner. And my number 2 Jes made me an amazing birthday cake. Amaretto flavored, cherry compote layers, Italian buttercream, birthday cake. OMG! What I didn’t know is that so many of his crew had planned a surprise birthday. They sang to me. They gave me the most beautiful card, with a drawing of a hawk with a green tie like Jaidon’s.
So now there are a group of teens in the basement in Jaidon’s room hanging out. The day I was dreading became one of the best days I have EVER had. Today, I stand with my chest out beaming with pride. Jaidon made sure the day was great. I love you, Jaidon. You have the nicest group of friends and I am so excited to know that your people are the most amazing young men and women. It makes me proud to know that you were a part of that.
To those of you who have reached out to wish me a happy birthday today and struggled to say “happy” birthday, guess what…it was and is! It has been one of the greatest days I’ll ever remember, because of a great group of teenagers.