Your first birthday

Dear Preston,

A year ago today, you came into this world.  For 16 weeks, you brought me more happiness than I'd ever experienced.  I wish with all my heart that you were still here, but life had other plans for our family.  Today, your life was celebrated and honored.  I want to tell you, that I'm so incredibly proud of you.  You have touched so many lives.  So many people love you, even without ever having met you.

I'd been dreading this day for a while now.  I thought I'd be upset all day, dwelling on the fact that you don't get a first birthday on this Earth.  No birthday cakes.  No presents.  No happy squeals.  The day started off rather emotionally, but not as bad as anticipated.  I wore my "Preston boots" for the first time.  It felt appropriate.  They are so cute to boot. Ha! Unintended pun.

I left 2 gift cards on the windshield of the cars parked next to mine at the Lincoln station park & ride and then headed to the train.  On the way to work, I saw several messages from friends and family, saying nice things and sharing how they spread happiness today, to honor you.  The first thing I saw, was a friend who did a manicure to honor Preston. You can view it here: http://instagram.com/p/vlOOMOtBRS/

Soon after, I read about what one of my friends who bought "Timbits" (donut holes from Tim Hortons) for her son and daughter's teachers.  She also let someone go ahead of her at checkout at the grocery store.  I knew one lady who was bringing donuts for her co-workers.  I got so many hugs today.  Never underestimate the power of a hug.  Des gave out goodies to everyone in our department, with a #SpreadHappinessForPreston tag on each.  So sweet, generous and moving.  Thank you Des.

Around 9:30, I got a beautiful email from Tina.  She and some other girls I work with, had bought balloons to release, and were inviting me to join, if I was up for it.  I'd wanted to do something like this myself, but just didn't have the strength to go buy balloons.  I met them in the lobby at 10:15, and we walked a block away.  Each of us, got one of the multicolored balloon, and we released them into the sky wishing Preston a happy first birthday.  That is what is pictured above.  Thank you Tina, Carolyn, Brianna, Dana, Nancy, Debbie, Charlene, Jess, Lisa and Jocelyn for being part of this most touching moment.  When I got back to my desk after the having watched the balloons soar into the sky, my day had just been turned around.  I no longer felt the sadness of your loss.  Instead, I was happy to celebrate your life.

Today, the world honored your life.  They honored your in so many ways.  Kip sent a donation in your name to Angel Eyes.  Tiffany made a donation to Project Night Night.  Lisa made a donation to the American SIDS Institute.  Ajay asked her daughter to be extra nice today: "open doors for others, lend pencils and paper when needed, tell the teacher how pretty she is today, and to be there for her fellow students in any way possible, if needed".  Her daughter is 10, and wanted to know why her mom was asking her to do all this today.  She told her Preston's story and her daughter then looked to the sky and said "happy birthday you sweet lil angel! I don't know you yet, but I love you!".  How sweet.  Ajay, you have a really sweet daughter.  Ajay spent the day cleaning other people's messes, complimenting others (even if they were rude), helped her daughter get ready for the day.  She gave more hugs to others than she has ever done in her life.  She planned to spend the evening in a retirement home to spend time with the lonely.  Ajay, your daughter's card to Preston was beautiful.  Please thank her for me and give her a big hug.

Another mom paid for other people's parking for the day.  Krystal is having a tree planted in the Superior National Forest for little Ava P., Jack, Claire, Ava T and a little baby boy who never got to be named.  What a sweet gesture.  She's also offered to have one planted for Preston's honor.  You are a sweetie Krystal.  I'm so moved.  Irene, attached a card to some McDonald's gift cards, and handed them out to homeless persons.

Katie also donated to the Ameican SIDS Institute. Thank you Katie.  A mom from BBC, emptied her wallet and donated to a food drive.  Acts of Kindness were done in Baltimore by Jon.  My friend paid for another girl's lunch today.  I left a $20.00 tip for our $25.00 lunch.  So many others told me they were participating.  I don't know what they did, but I just know, that it was a successful day.

Additionally to all this, a lot of happiness was sent our way.  I received flowers from Sereena and Kim.  A lovely single red rose from Charlene.  Lisa had a star named for Preston.  How incredibly original and dreamy.  I am moved beyond words.  Brendan and Jess, donated several bears to unprivileged children.  They will all wear a #SpreadHappinessForPreston card.  Thank you! That is so, so touching.  Jocelyn and Barry gave us a rainbow catcher to hang in a window.  My co-workers from Financial Services bought us a memorial stone with your name on it, and your birthday.  It's a terracotta stone with mosaics on it.  So beautiful.  I am speechless at all these acts of kindness.  Just a few minutes ago, we received flowers from neighbors on our street.

Finally, Meme and Grandpa in Montreal, released 8 large balloons containing your #SpreadHappinessForPreston cards.  Who knows where they will land?  I hope they make it far, and bring a smile to many strangers.  My aunt Jocelyn and uncle Burnell, donated to various charities.  Brett, my loving husband and your dad, brought pizzas over to the firehouse.  The firemen remembered you, they were the first responders.  I think it's a testament to how special you are, that they remember you.

Prestson, I'm wishing you a happy birthday.  I don't throw the word happy around easily.  I didn't think I'd want to associate happy with your birthday, but if today taught me anything, it's that you've made the world a better place, even if you were only here for 16 weeks.  You created so much happiness today.  You made me realize just how much of an impact your life has made on others, people that held you, loved you, others who never got the chance to meet you, and others that didn't know you existed until you were gone.  I hope that Liz was right, and that you are celebrating your birthday on a cloud.  I hope cake is as delicious in Heaven as it is on Earth.  I hope that you had a nice day, and were spoiled.  I know I would have spoiled you if you were here.  What else is a mama to do? ;)

Thank you to everyone who has participated.  I invite you to continue to share how you have spread happiness today.  And, I hope you will participate again, next year, and every subsequent year.  The world could really use more smiles