09/16/2024
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mia! 1,827 days and counting...
When you lose someone you love, a piece of you goes missing. A part of your heart is forever gone, and when reality hits, you realize you will never get that piece of your heart back. To get up, go on, and do your best to exist each and every day without those you love, along with that piece of your heart, is a battle we will forever endure until we leave this world and are one day reunited with them. However, I believe the bonds with our loved ones, who have passed, can evolve and enable us to remain connected with them. If you can find that unique and personal connection for yourself and your loved one in Heaven, it allows your bond to live on. Whether it is something you choose to do daily, weekly, monthly, or at your choosing, remaining connected in your own unique and special way is a way that might help you survive on your journey.
On September 16, 2019, my Mia told me the only thing she wanted for her birthday was for me to be healthy and to “live for a long time”. She always said that she would look after me when I was a “little old man”. This was Mia, always thinking about others, especially her dad and those she really cared about. I have never known anyone to have such a big heart from such a young age. At that time, I had recently received some concerning test results from bloodwork relating to a work injury I sustained. My doctor also had some concerns about the elevated numbers. Mia, my aspiring pediatrician, told me that she wanted me to start drinking more water (128 ounces each day to be exact) and she believed this would be a great start to better health. Mia said that for her birthday present, she wanted me to start drinking 128 oz. each day and that was all she wanted. Of course, that was not all she received, but this was one of the most memorable birthdays, especially now, that I ever shared with her. Mia then set up an app on my phone and said, “Please do this for both of us dad!” “I want you to be healthy forever!” This was five years ago today and I have not missed a day… I'm still doing it for both of us Mia!
Sure, there have been signs and there have been so many positive memories to reflect upon. However, every time I open this app, which is multiple times each day, to log my water intake I see Mia’s face and her smile. I also hear Mia's caring and loving words from that day. It was her birthday and the only thing she wanted was for me to be healthy. So, here we are 1827 consecutive days (5 years) with at least 128 ounces of water (refer to photos...). My blood tests have never been better, and this has become yet another daily ritual, and bond, that has evolved and kept me connected to my Mia.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mia! There's not a minute, hour, day or night that I don't think about or love you!
Love, dad!
