So my husband and best friend gave me a surprise birthday party tonight. . .

[Anonymous]

And it totally caught me by surprise. I am 40 today, and recently lost my twin brother. I took the day off from work because I anticipated feeling the loss of my brother. I finally had the cathartic cry I needed right before we headed to what I thought was just pizza and a movie with a friend. Wasn't prepared for tons of people. I looked and felt like shit.

But I think it is what I needed. It is late, and I drank too much champagne. Life moves on, and it is important to celebrate milestones. I am blessed with great friends and a husband who understands that live moves on. And I can still do it with my twin beside me.

[Anonymous]

Hugs. And Happy Birthday.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday, and glad you were able to both grieve and celebrate. So sorry about your brother. Life is precious, so live yours to the max, for you and for him. Sounds like you have a great husband and best friend.

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday, OP. Glad you were able to relax and enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday and am so sorry for your loss. Your husband and best friend are so thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

Happy birthday. I am sorry for your loss; it must be a very difficult one. I'm glad your husband and friend are so thoughtful. Wishing you a brighter year ahead.

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday.

[Anonymous]

Hugs from me, too. I remember you posting about your brother. I agree, he was right by your side yesterday. My Mom recently died and within the last month, we have had some really wonderful things happen to us after a long period of "bad" stuff (her illness and subsequent death) and sadness. I am not a religious person, nor am I particularly spiritual but I can really feel her by my side and I know all this good is her orchestrating.

I hadn't dreamt about her in a couple of months, and last week I had a dream about her and she hugged me so hard and told me everything was going to be okay. I could really feel the hug, it was strong and warm and it was exactly what I needed.

I am so glad you had a great birthday. Your husband and friend are wonderful. Here's to many more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hugs from me, too. I remember you posting about your brother. I agree, he was right by your side yesterday. My Mom recently died and within the last month, we have had some really wonderful things happen to us after a long period of "bad" stuff (her illness and subsequent death) and sadness. I am not a religious person, nor am I particularly spiritual but I can really feel her by my side and I know all this good is her orchestrating.

I hadn't dreamt about her in a couple of months, and last week I had a dream about her and she hugged me so hard and told me everything was going to be okay. I could really feel the hug, it was strong and warm and it was exactly what I needed.

I am so glad you had a great birthday. Your husband and friend are wonderful. Here's to many more.

This is the OP. PP, this post warmed my heart. I am glad you got that hug! Thanks for the posts everyone. It really was a great party.

[Anonymous]

Life is so bittersweet. You have a wonderful, supportive husband and group of friends. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.

[Anonymous]

Your husband rocks, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hugs from me, too. I remember you posting about your brother. I agree, he was right by your side yesterday. My Mom recently died and within the last month, we have had some really wonderful things happen to us after a long period of "bad" stuff (her illness and subsequent death) and sadness. I am not a religious person, nor am I particularly spiritual but I can really feel her by my side and I know all this good is her orchestrating.

I hadn't dreamt about her in a couple of months, and last week I had a dream about her and she hugged me so hard and told me everything was going to be okay. I could really feel the hug, it was strong and warm and it was exactly what I needed.

I am so glad you had a great birthday. Your husband and friend are wonderful. Here's to many more.

This is the OP. PP, this post warmed my heart. I am glad you got that hug! Thanks for the posts everyone. It really was a great party.

Yay! I am the poster from above and I am so glad you had a good time.

[Anonymous]

I'm a twin who lost her other a long time ago. Birthdays are always hard.

Still, he is right there and surely supports your husband and friends. He also would most likely pour you a glass of champagne.

Happy Birthday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a twin who lost her other a long time ago. Birthdays are always hard.

Still, he is right there and surely supports your husband and friends. He also would most likely pour you a glass of champagne.

Happy Birthday.

Thanks for this. And I am sorry about the loss of your twin. My friends rallied in a huge way this weekend, all weekend, and I am sitting here thinking about how important it is to take care of people. I was taken care of, and just hope I can continue to reciprocate when my friends need it.