Happy Birthday, Betsey Pearl

Seventeen years ago my little daughter died of cancer. This is what I wrote on the birthday she never quite made it to that year, with slight updates since.

Today she would be 21.

You would be 21, Betsey.  Little friends you had are all grown up now.

I miss the life you did not live, I miss your dates and your projects, someday your husband, your children.  But most of all, I miss you.

Happy Birthday, Betsey Pearl.

We planted a Pearl Apple for your birthday.

The years roll on, alas.