Actually, now that I think about it, I'm unabashed about receiving love and attention and presents every day of the year. But especially so on my birthday, and during my birth-week and birth-month.
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| Aidan in costume. Can you guess who he is? |
Last year was the first year since 2008 that I did not post a birthday wish list. I only wanted one thing last year. I still want Aidan back. But now, after spending a year and a half figuring out how to put one foot in front of the other--which is essentially what grief is--I have found that I can find moments here and there of peace and joy and contentment, even while my heart is broken.
So, with no further ado, and with a mere five shopping days to go, here's my 2014 birthday wish list:
1. Say Aidan's name to me. This is very simple. You don't have to have a script. I was texting my friend Soap about some assorted topics, and then suddenly I get a text from her that just read "Aidan today." I texted back "Aidan today what?", and she said, "I am thinking about him and wanted to say his name to you." I loved this.
2. The recovery of the 200+ Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by terrorists more than a month ago. I just heard that they've been located.
3. Diet Coke. I know, I know--it's bad for me. So is pollution, but I'm still gonna breathe.
4. A hanging flower pot for the backyard. It doesn't have to be this elaborate.
5. An agent or publisher for my almost-finished novel.
6. Good Lord Bird by James McBride. I despise and eschew our selfie culture, but I took a selfie anyway with my friend The Generous Listener (TGL) at #FFWgr because James McBride was signing autographs in the background. His book sounds like a delightful and completely new take on the John Brown story.
OK, that'll do it for this year. Happy shopping!
[Update: Apparently James McBride's people do not allow unauthorized use of James McBride's image on wildly popular personal blogs with upwards of seven loyal followers. OK, whatever.]
3 comments:
I just read this post, so I'm a bit late for your birthday. We haven't met yet (we just joined Covenant), so I didn't know Aidan. I can tell you miss him. Your posts break my mommy heart and even though we wouldn't know each other on the street, I'm weeping with you. I hope you had a happy birthday, and I hope you find a publisher/agent! If you do, please blog about how you did it. I haven't had much luck in that arena.
EJ, thank you for your comment and for your tears for my boy.
I did have a happy birthday, with lots of love and presents. I received all the things I asked for (and then some) except for numbers two and five.
I'm curious about how you came to my blog if we have not met. Apparently my crack team of marketing ninjas is doing its job.
Michelle Dillard told me about it. If she's not one of your marketing ninjas, she should be!
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