August 8 is one of those days permanently etched in my brain. I don't need any kind of reminder to jog the memory, because it's just there. It will always be there whether I live mere minutes or I'm still walking the Earth at the end of time.
Prior to 1995, the eighth day was just another balmy day in August. No better or no worse than any other day. As a boy, it meant that the summer break was drawing to a close and school was on the horizon. As an adult working for a university, it meant the summer sessions were almost over and the fall semester would soon begin. Neither of which are particularly golden in my life.
A lot had to happen for the day to take on an amazing luster. Many not-so-happy aspects of life had to occur to provide the groundwork for our paths to cross. God probably put in overtime in order for it to happen, because divine intervention was definitely required. Although I often feel cursed in life, this time was the most blessed of blessings and one that I never take for granted. In fact, that one blessing makes every moment of suffering in life completely worthwhile.
I have so many happy memories associated with the day. Even though I botched up the first birthday celebration with illness, I still hold dear the conversation that we had that evening and I hope that I made up for it a few months later and each year after that. Most of all, I hope that you knew that the day was more special than any day on the calendar simply because it was your birthday. Your birth is what elevated it from anonymous summer day to a day more important than my own birthday.
It seems like a lifetime since I've heard your voice or been warmed by your smile, but I look forward to celebrating the day with you again as soon as possible. Until then, I hold the day near and dear to my heart and celebrate your life for the both of us.
Happy birthday, Alina.
