Happy 16th Birthday, Baby!

Well, it's here. What would be your 16th birthday, Joseph. I wonder how you would spend your day? Probably getting your driver's license. Most likely hanging out with your friends. Maybe something deliciously cheesy from a Mexican Restaurant. And definitely some video game time with your Dad and your brother and sister.

I miss you, angel. And I hardly know how to spend this day without you. I don't really even know how to celebrate it without you. I feel really lost on days like this, son. I wish I could find a tradition that would bring us all peace and yet celebrate you. But it feels a little bit empty, and there really is no guidebook for things like this.

I suppose I will just try to think of you all day, and send you love, and tell you that I miss you like crazy; but that I'm super proud of you. And that I cannot wait to see you again because we owe each other a few thousand "I love you's" and a million hugs.

I hope you're having a wonderful day, my sweet boy!

All my love and Happy Birthday!

Mom

19 comments

  1. I think that he would laugh because he was old enough to date, but didn't want to. I wonder if he would want to take his first official drive or if he would rather just sit back and kick everyone's butt at Halo. I know he would look so handsome on Sunday as his dad confirmed him a teacher. At the end of the wonderful day I think he would call his cousin and rub it in that although he may be taller, Joey would always be older. They would share a laugh and plan the summer's activities and then say goodbye until the next phone call. Happy Birthday Joey! We love you!

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  2. Thank you for sharing these WONDERFUL pictures of Joey!!
    Happy Birthday Joey!

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  3. awwwwww, jen, sweetie. HUGE hugs. huge, huge hugs. even though i have lost my mom, i can't even imagine how empty it feels to have lost him--a child. let the sweet memories rise above.

    whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (phil 4:8)

    love you sweet friend.
    xo, tania

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  4. Well, this brought a tear to my eye! My son turns 16 today, too! My thoughts and prayers are with you today!

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  5. Oh Joey! Happy Birthday!

    I hope you get a chance to think of all the happy times you had with Joey today Jen! ((hugs))

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  6. Jen, you are incredibly sweet. Happy Birthday Joey!

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  7. Sandra11:31 AM

    Happy Birthday Joey! The pictures are just so beautiful. There is such a look of inner peace to him. I am sure that he feels your love, and prays for your pain to be eased, even if just a little. Till you meet again...God bless you guys.

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  8. Happy Birthday Joey!
    I can imagine it must be difficult trying to find a way to commemorate this special day. Many people release balloons, with notes attached. I hope you can find a way that brings you peace Jennifer. God bless you and your family.

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  9. love and hugs, jen. you're in my thoughts today.

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  10. Happy Birthday, Sweet Joey. You are remembered and loved! Hugs to you and your family Jen.

    (ps--I have a friend who lost her baby last year. They've decided that on her birthday they'll do a special day of service to honor her. I thought that was a really lovely idea.)

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  11. I'm thinking of you and sweet Joey today Jen! I love that last photo of you two together - he looks so much like you! Big hugs!!

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  12. Jen-
    Big hugs to you and your family.

    Hey...I don't think Joey ever took a bad picture! He is so photogenic! ;)

    Rest in knowing you will see him again.

    Big hugs,
    Stephanie

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  13. What a tender post. I wish you peace and joy on this special day...so grateful for Heavenly Father's Plan.

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  14. I love seeing these pictures of him! I like that one of you two together - you can tell that he loved his mommy.
    Thinking of you, my friend.

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  15. Hugs to you Jennifer! He seems like such a sweet boy and he looks just like you :)

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  16. Wow - 16! Hard to believe, isn't it? What wonderful thoughts about how he would have celebrated the day if he was still here, and the photos brought a smile to my face. It is very obvious that he loved you all very much, and what an incredible blessing that knowledge must be for all of you.

    ((((HUGS))))

    Lizzy

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  17. Hi- you don't know me, but I just wanted to thank you for this post. I have a son who just turned 16 and he has just been driving me crazy with his grades lately and all I seem to do is punish and lecture him these days. I just went in and hugged him and told him how lucky I was to be his mom and that we would get through this. This has not been my approach lately. I've dealt with him with more anger than love.

    Your son has taught this frustrated mom a valuable lesson. Next time you talk to him (cause I know you must do it all the time) let him know there's a 16 year old boy down here that appreciates him and the way he softened his mom's heart.

    Thank you for your post...

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  18. I'm just catching up on my blog reading and can't let this one go without a word. So beautiful that you can still talk to him and that he is still there listening to you. We are never really apart forever, are we, just temporarily and even then, his spirit still lives on through you and your family. So thank you for sharing that with us today, and ALL of your other posts too.

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