Happy Birthday

 

Happy Birthday, My Love

Today is your birthday.

I am in Mexico with some friends from my ward. It has been a while since I have been here, and being back has stirred up more memories than I expected.

We rented a car from Hertz. I didn’t feel comfortable taking my new car because it still has temporary plates. Maybe that sounds a little crazy, but one of my friends is a little nervous about being in Mexico. Obviously not nervous enough not to come, but nervous enough. Her husband, Chris, is a DEA agent and never really wanted her to come down here. It reminds me a little of Kevin Bennett being a police officer. I suppose people in those kinds of jobs know much more about what “really” happens than the rest of us do. As for me, I think there is some peace in not knowing everything. Sometimes ignorance really can feel like a blessing.

The weather has been beautiful. The sunrises and sunsets are absolutely gorgeous. There is something about the sky here that feels different to me. Softer. Warmer. More peaceful.

When I drove up to the security gate, they remembered me. They asked how I was doing and welcomed me with big smiles. The HOA office remembered me too, and they talked about Blake’s and Brian’s families. It touched me more than I expected.

Walking into the condo brought back so many memories of you. I had no idea how many little things would take me right back to the two of us being here together—the walks, the talks, the vendors, the security guards, the familiar streets, the places we loved. Everywhere I turned, there you were.

Of course, I ran and got fruit bowls for one of my friends. She loved hers so much, and it made me smile because I knew you would have loved that.

We shopped at the Malecón and had lunch at Poncho’s. He gave me a big hug and welcomed us like no time had passed. I took my friends to all your favorite places to eat, and we loved every one.

There is such a peaceful feeling I have here. The sunrises and sunsets mean so much more to me in this place. I can almost feel you smiling down on me with your twinkling eyes. And, of course, the mangos were ripe and delicious.

Estifano’s wife was so kind. She asked me about Kaitlyn and her family. I thought that was so sweet of her, and it reminded me again how many pieces of our life are still here, tucked into this place and these people.

Happy birthday, my love.

I appreciate you and love you more and more every day.

Love,
Monya