Today my mum would have been 74 years old, though she would have lied and told you she was 64 (and you would have believed her). Five years ago was the last birthday she was alive. We went to the beach–my sisters, their children, my mum, and I.

I sat next to mum, both of us on lawn chairs. The sun was too much for her so she was beneath an umbrella. I can’t remember if we made it down to the water but she was able to touch the sand. I gave her a necklace with a healing stone. She was wearing it when she died a month later. I have it now.

Four years and eleven months gone and I can’t believe I’ve lived a day without you. Happy Birthday, Mum. I am sending you a chickadee.

Love,
Myfanwy