This is a beautiful post - so thoughtful. I have been with my partner for nearly 20 years, though we are not married, we do celebrate the day we met. As for birthdays - I love the way you honour yourself on them. Last year, my father died on my birthday. This year, I thought it would be hard - but I celebrated his life along with my own. I hope your birthday this year is full of "I love yous" and goodies and the deep reflection that allows you to find that spark of joy every single day. E x