Today’s daily mass has Cheryl as one of its intentions. So I came for her.

It is quiet. Peacefully quiet. I was okay when Fr. Pat read her name. Tears came though when she was not next to me at the “Our Father”. I could not hold her hand.

Today is Cheryl’s birthday. Happy Birthday Cheryl! Melissa just asked me if you are having Angel Food cake today. Are you? I made your favorite Betty Crocker pound cake mix. I think I got the icing right with Nancy’s help. I followed the Quick Icing recipe in the Dinner for Two Cookbook and added a little margarine. I had some for breakfast. It is pretty good.

I also planted your flowers yesterday. Remember? The fancy purple impatiens that you told me to get on Sunday? They look good by the door. It rained last night so they are not waiting for me to water them.

Cheryl, I find myself listening to Tracy Chapman”s “Fast Car” song a lot. I have no idea why except that it talks about two young people just trying to get through life and their excitement about their engagement with the world both past and looking into the future. For whatever reason it helps me to see your smile. Are you trying to tell me something? I will keep listening.

Happy Birthday to you!

Carpe Diem.