The Sweetest Cake & Tender Ache: A Story-Forward First Birthday

First, we celebrated one year of his life, then we quietly mourned one year without hers. This is the story of how joy and grief find a way co-exist.

It had spent the weeks prior quietly building; the bittersweet symphony of grief and longing alongside the milestone of one year of growth. I woke up feeling deep appreciation for his existence, while holding the knowledge that my Mom passed away just four days after he entered the world.

The day started out like any other, besides the subtle under current that she wouldn't physically be there to celebrate with us. She loved him before she even knew him and there is a certain melancholy that comes with knowing they wouldn't be able to get to know eachother.

I spent the day making sure I had everything we needed. My sister baked the cake, and it was sitting in the fridge waiting for him to dig in. I dressed him in green corduroy, keeping it simple because the moment was about him, not the outfit.

Of course, he needed to be the main character, so I set up the backdrop with simplicity in mind. I think she would have loved that, and even without her physical presence, I know she was there in spirit. I could hear her laughter in the archives of my mind; see her smile full of pride.

In the end, he wasn't a fan of the cake. I'm not sure if it was the texture or the taste, but it was still fun. If she was still alive, I would have sent her the photos as soon as they were finished and let her know how it went. She would have said "So cute! 💞😚".

The truth is, he won't remember this. But I will; and that's why I do what I do.

That why I'm an Archivist of Real Life.

All My Best,

Kendra

KW Visual Stories

PS: if you stayed for the whole story, you can mention "Archive10" to receive 10% off your first session with me