This past year was difficult for many. I saw a quote that read: “this year may have broken your heart, but it opened your eyes.” It goes without saying, this year has redirected how we see life and what is important. Through all the difficulties and uncertainties, we found little beacons of light, plumblines to what mattered. With great certainty, little Miss Rowin, you offered that for your sister, mom, dad, and family around you.

I remember from my childhood how special I felt on my birthday. I would await anxiously as my birthday approached. I so looked forward to my special day. I loved that everyone came together, all my favourite people in the same room. With COVID a real part of the new normal, it becomes difficult to offer the birthday gatherings with the community around us. Birthdays become smaller and more careful. For a first birthday, something extra was needed in times like these. Mom and dad put something special together. A CAKE SMASH! Your very own moment to take as much time as your needed to eat to your hearts content with everyone cheering you on.

The cake was beautiful, perfectly sized for your tiny little hands and topped with pretty little icing roses. Gently, you carefully picked each rose off and enjoyed the sugar they offered. You were too gentle and careful to get into the actual cake! So, a with a little help from mom and your big sister, the cake was broken off.

After cake we played with some balloons in the backyard and had some fun. What a year to be alive. May the years ahead be fulfilling and opportunity rich. Happy first birthday, Rowin. The world awaits your beautiful heart.