Living Moment
Birthday amidst Fragility: Nick's Choice
Being chosen and cared for, even when I felt like I had nothing to give, reminded me that love doesn’t depend on what I can offer—it can simply exist in being together.
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Full Reflection / Story
By June 2025, I was in the midst of significant changes in my functioning, and when my birthday came, I didn’t know if I had anything to give.
Nick showed up the evening before and chose to be there—not just to say happy birthday, but to stay, to be with me through the night and into the next day.
There’s something about that kind of presence that makes you feel, I am loved.
He showed up with a huge stack of Teddy Grahams. He remembered how much I enjoyed them as a snack during iron infusions at the hospital and chose to surprise me with a bunch, which happened to be delivered just before my birthday.
The next morning, I got my birthday gift—Mr. Penguin. I love cuddling, and he wanted me to have a cuddle buddy.
I remember feeling a kind of joy that wasn’t looking for anything—just pure excitement at this soft toy, and the realization that just a day ago, I didn’t think any of this was possible.
To me, the most meaningful part of it all was this: someone choosing me, staying, and sharing simple things together.
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