This is Max. He turns 3 today. And I’m doing my best to make it feel like magic.

There should’ve been more laughter.
More candles lit by her hands.
More hugs from the one who gave him life.

But she’s gone.
And today, it’s just us.

I’m still learning how to fill the silence.
How to smile when my heart aches.
How to celebrate when part of me is missing.

But Max deserves joy.
He deserves balloons and cake and love that stretches beyond grief.

So I’m showing up. For him. For her. For the promise of brighter days.

If you see this, please wish him a happy birthday.
Just one kind word means more than you know.
Help me remind him that even in loss, love multiplies.