Birthday Candle        
From: zlscw
                                                       
“My 17th birthday was the last one I celebrated with my mom. She sat by the hospital bed, forcing a smile despite her sadness, to cut my birthday cake and wish me a happy birthday. At the time, I didn’t understand the significance until six months later when I lost her forever. Then I remembered her saying how much she wished to be there to blow out the candles and celebrate with me the following year.

During my final year of high school, I was preparing for art exams, and my family hid the news of her severe illness and passing from me, which caused a rift between us. On my 18th birthday, I didn't celebrate with my family because we were taking turns caring for my gravely ill grandfather. Although the gathering was a very last-minute decision, I received many heartfelt wishes from friends. I kept the birthday candles from that day. I think I have now become an adult who no longer needs her constant worry. I often think of her.”