My son, Donovan, loved the sky. Day or night. Preferred a cloudy day and a clear night to see the stars. When there was a predicted meteor shower or solar or lunar eclipse, he was on the phone with me because he knew I loved all of that too.

Even though he is no longer living, I feel the need to still do things for him. I came across Star Registry and thought — this is perfect. I named a star for my son. I know he loves it. I was torn between keeping the date that is generated when I registered the star, but there was a way to change it to a selected date. I chose the day that Covid took him.

I am forever broken but now I can look up and say that I see you, baby-boy. I love you and miss you so much. I know he is everywhere. Forever 31.

Donovan:
September 29, 2021
Type: Star
Magnitude: 5.25 (extincted to 5.46)
Distance: 215.57 Light Years

Three years ago today we were celebrating Mike’s 66th birthday — never realizing that in two short months he would have succumbed to Covid. It is now the second year without us all celebrating each milestone.

How did our government let me down?

Three years ago today, I was visiting my daughter in London. It would be the last time I would see her for over a year as the world in two short months would shut down. The first case hit the west coast and then Canada and then New York City. Still, at this time, I never expected to have my world turned upside down and lose my husband of 38 years. He was only 66. So many of us never expected that by April so many would be gone …

My mom was always the first to call me at midnight on my birthday. Since her passing in 2020, my birthday hasn’t been the same. I am sad and keep isolated.

This year, for some reason, I felt different and did what mom would want me to do … I celebrated my 60 years with my children, grandchildren and friends, I went to moms favorite place “the casino,” and I gambled.

Mom loved the slot machines and so that’s what I did. I was happy and definitely felt my mom with me, especially when I heard “ding ding ding.” Yes, I won, and I know that my mom playing with me. Mom, you are my favorite Birth-Day present.

I’ve never enjoyed celebrating my birthday, but was convinced to go to dinner this year. I walked out from the restaurant, and looked up to see the hospital where you passed away. Alone. Isolated in a room at the beginning of the pandemic. Three years later, society has forgotten, but I have not.