October

This month is full of birthdays ...

nearly two dozen that I know of ...

friends

family

our grandson's first

and

another first

yours

which we will celebrate

without you ...

we will have your favorites

something Asian

cake and ice cream

most likely chocolate

a glass of wine (for me)

maybe a movie ...

all the things you would do

if you were here

instead of there

I'll plaster on a smile

and laugh ...

for their sake

and then

behind closed doors

(or not)

I'll cry ....