Happy 28th Birthday to my Britney!

Today, my Britney would have turned 28 and you would think that after 9 birthdays without her I’d be used to it or that it would be easier……..I’m not; it’s not.

I miss the craziness of those first 19 birthdays; going grocery shopping for the 35+ family & friends that would come celebrate, decorating the house with banners, balloons, photos, tulips and then making her favorite chocolate cake with homemade frosting.

I miss seeing her smile, I miss hearing her laugh and I miss her singing and dancing to the music that’s blaring through the house while helping me get ready for the day. She would be so excited that everyone was coming over and the more the merrier!

As each person would walk in, Brit would greet them with a “hey” and a hug & her smile would get bigger and bigger. The stories that would be shared, the funny conversations that would take place, the loudness of everyone being there and the food (A LOT of food) are just some of the things that Brit loved! After cake it was present time. Yes, Brit loved getting presents and opening presents but honesty, she loved that everyone was there and together.

I guess that’s why it seems so natural in Haiti with the children. The children love being together, love sharing stories, love music, love dancing and love their family (new and old) & are so comfortable with many new friends that come into their home.  

It was extremely important to me when the children starting living at BLB that they were able to celebrate their birthday and have their own birthday cake. This may seem strange, but when most of the children came to BLB they didn’t know when their birthday was but thanks to Jonathan’s due diligence, they now do and so we are able to celebrate these birthdays with them.

I love seeing those HUGE cakes and watching the children’s faces as everyone sings to them. It really is a time of pure joy for me. In those moments I have so much going through my head. I think of where that child was a year ago and even where they were before coming to BLB. I think of all the people that have helped this child to become what she/he is becoming and it is quite humbling and overwhelming. And to be honest, I think of Brit EVERY-SINGLE-TIME! I believe (I have to believe) that she is there and that she is part of that birthday celebration because the thought of her not celebrating another birthday is just too much for me to handle.

I miss my Brit, I always will, but to all of you that help us at Be Like Brit, please know that you are helping the children that Britney wanted to help and that is helping to heal my broken heart. I am forever grateful!

​​~Brit’s mom, Cherylann