because you were

Today would be Phil's 30th birthday. Thirty! I wanted to do something special for his milestone birthday to honor him, but I wasn't sure what to do. 

A few weeks ago, my First Best Friend, Cin reached out to me and offered to write a poem about and for Phil. She didn't know that his 30th birthday was coming up. Perfect timing! Definitely meant to be. Cin is a professional, award winning poet who writes poetry to honor a special event (poemgrown). Cin emailed us some very thought-provoking questions, plus asked for a few pictures of Phil. After some back and forth and a few revisions, here's the magic that Cin came up with. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect gift to honor Phil's 30th birthday. 

Because You Were….

for Philip Thomas Riley

First child, first grandchild, 

first knowing that love unconditionally

could crack us open in a single breath 

and change everything.

30 years ago I pushed and gasped until

out of me, you. Strong-will-shy-smile-loyal-

and-articulate-hearted you. Our sweet boy

who birthed belly laughs from every friend.

Child who held both strength and kindness 

with ease, like your Dad.

Child of music and reading, like your Mom.

You made us parents. You made us a family.

When you left, our hearts cracked open

and never closed.

But now we know that is how 

the light gets in to show us our next step.

The path we walk is forever changed.

Wider, kinder, more compassionate,

inspired by your gentle soul and spirit.

A path of self-care and consciousness.

Here is what we want to tell you, Phil: 

We miss you. And we miss you every day.

Today we celebrate all you were in the world

and all we are because we love you.

You live deep inside us, always. 

Making us parents, making us a family, 

still.

Written by cin salach in collaboration with Melanie and Brian

on the occasion of deep love and Philip’s 30th birthday, July 21, 2018