I went to a funeral today, for a beautiful 14-year-old girl who was somebody’s daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend. It wasn’t my loss – I didn’t really know her; she was part of my husband’s extended family that we’ve drifted away from. But at one time we were close to her dad, her aunts, her grandparents, and we went today for them.

It’s awful, burying a child. My heart is broken for her poor parents, her family, her cousins, and her sweet friends who were struggling to get through what was probably the first funeral they’ve ever been to. I didn’t know her but I could feel what the loss of her meant to everyone. I could see a hint of what it would be like to lose your child.

But today is also my son’s birthday. I’m even more grateful than usual that I get to be with him to celebrate. I’m grateful that I can close the day with a family dinner and chocolate cake, and hopefully he’ll know how much we love him.