When I tried to post my original entry for Lena’s birthday, on January 6th, my site was down. Back online now. At first I was annoyed, and found it ironic, that of all days, something would be amiss on Lena’s birthday. But ultimately, I realized what I had written wasn’t really what I wanted to say.

Lena’s birthday was lovely. I’m not sure when we will stop actively celebrating the day she was born. This year was the third birthday since she died. Worried I might be the only one who still wanted to observe Lena’s birthday and not wanting to obligate people to show up, I decided I’d do something on my own. But first, just to be sure, I asked Mimi if she felt like getting together with people on Lena’s birthday. I was surprised when she said she did. But I was even more surprised when, after having posted a “Lena’s Birthday” event on Facebook, so many of the people I invited, responded.

On Friday, January 6th, a generous handful of my, Mimi and Lena’s friends met at the cemetery. Judy and Hannah came early (my mistake), bringing flowers and waiting until I arrived. Teresa, Dog and Jane pruned roses, planted flowers and put up a garden edging. The rest of the gang: Mimi, Gabs, Cass, Rachel, Nora, Sofia, Becca, Storey and Sam, created objects of love and remembrance to leave as gifts for the birthday girl.

I am sending out the thank you to everyone who came as well as to those who sent their love but couldn’t attend (it WAS at 2PM on a weekday). If Lena could, she would no doubt thank everyone, too. She can’t. She’s not here. But I am. And while I know the people who showed their support last Friday did so out of love for LaLa, the person they were helping was me. From the “thinking of you” emails to showing up and planting plants, the presence of these people in my life keep me alive.

I can’t thank you enough.

(click on photos to view them full size)