14

from may 9th on
we've anticipated many firsts without mom

this day

was benzilla's first birthday without her

yesterday

his big brother found a sim card with photos from 5 years ago
full of
gaia
an early birthday gift
a christmas present she meant to leave us
a small blessing for a boy
who loved his grandmother with
every ounce of his huge heart

today he is fourteen
and all the years behind us have been
too fast
too consuming
yet full of love
family
friendship
faith

14...sweet baby ben...
our cherry on top
our icing on the cake
the place at the table i knew all those years ago
he would fill

you have filled up every day of the 13 years behind you son
filled our home
filled our hearts
filled us all up to the brim
as your gaia would lovingly say

may every day of this fourteenth year be
magic

happy birthday kiddo
i love you
momma