Happy Birthday Joey

You would be 22 today, and it’s the first time since I met you that I will wish you a happy birthday and you won’t respond. You’re missed, by everyone regardless of if you would miss them or not. 

I think you’d be happy for me now, I know you would be actually. I wish you were around to see that but then maybe your death was a catalyst that turned so many lives around and set us all straight. I’m grateful to have had you in my life, I am grateful to love you, and to learn from you.

You would have been okay, but not in the timeframe you wanted. I understand that and I won’t be selfish, your dad’s speech at your memorial was one of the best pieces I have heard regarding suicide. Your family is so strong, I love them and am keeping my promise to you and them. Which really means to be there when I can, they will always be a second family to me and their happiness for my wellness means so much to me. 

So, Happy Birthday. I wish more than anything you were on this earth to celebrate it but that was not your purpose. Your life held so much, and the loss of your life has brought so much change. Change that has made my life amazing. I miss you everyday but I’m happy you are not suffering.