Something I’m thankful for didn’t just happen this year, it’s something that returns every year: my birthday. For most people, a birthday is simply a celebration of growing older, but for me it has always held a special meaning. Seven years ago, I lost my dad, and we shared the same birthday: June 10th. Since then, that day has become a reminder not only of what I lost, but also of the love we shared.

Before my dad passed away, our birthdays were simple but full of love. We celebrated at home with our family, with cake, small gifts, and photos in front of the candles. I was very close to him, we hugged often, took naps together on the couch, and shared small everyday moments that made me feel safe and cared for. He showed his love through affection, kind words, and even apologizing when he scolded me. Back then, life felt complete and joyful, and I never felt like anything was missing.

After he passed away, my relationship with my birthday changed. I no longer felt the same excitement, and sometimes it didn’t feel completely mine anymore. It was different celebrating without the person who made that day so meaningful. Still, with time, I began to understand that the importance of that date didn’t disappear, it had simply transformed.

I used to joke that I was his birthday present, and he would always smile and agree. It wasn’t until later that my mom told me that when I was born, he had said, “Thank you. This is the best gift you could have given me.” Hearing that made me emotional, but in a gentle way. It reminded me that even from the very beginning, he saw me as something precious. It didn’t make me feel closer to him because I already knew how much he loved me,  but it did make me appreciate our shared birthday in a new way.

Out of every day in the year, I was born on the same day as the person who loved me most. For him, I was a gift. And for me, he will always be one too.

That is why this year, I am thankful for another birthday, not just as a reminder of the past, but as a celebration of love, connection, and the beautiful bond we shared.