Birthday with a difference

I'ts our sons Birthday today. John, full of love, lively, cheerful,
so handsome, adored by girls, loved by everyone he meets.

We celebrate this special day with lunch in beautiful Bakewell,
Derbyshire, we stroll hand in hand by the river with it's lively
rainbow trout jumping to receive the bread thrown to them by other
strollers, many courting ducks playfully enjoy the summer sun, serene
swans glide along regally toward the cascading waterfall. We admire the
trees in all their glory, branches waving proud and free. Tulips stand
to attention with colourful display. Birds sing welcoming the sun's
kiss of joy under the clear blue sky above the wonderous
waterfall.

We take in the warm gentle breeze, feeling upon our skin, feeling
alive.

The Birthday meal is booked for five of us, my husband, myself, our
eldest son, his girlfriend along with her 7 year old son.

We celebrate John's 20th birthday, WITHOUT HIM.

What about the colourful helium balloon with the bright yellow ribbon?
The balloon has been place with love, carefully at John's gravestone
along with many flowers. The flame in the lantern will glow all
day.

Our hearts are broken, we ache to hug him, see his smiling face, share
a joke, hear his laughter again.

We celebrate the light, love and joy he brought into our lives, the
love remaining always.

John came into our world swiftly, beautifully, a precious gift, he
stayed for nearly 14 years, his departure swift, tragic and truly
devastating.

We celebrate his birthday with hearts bursting with joy, breaking with
sadness.

What will we do next year, have a party!