Today is a happy day! My big boy is turning 17. But it is also a very hard day. For me. Because it is the first time I can not be with him to celebrate. Because I’m half a world away. It is the first time ever in my life that I’m not home for a family birthday. To be where the job that pays the bills requires me to be was the only rational decision. We face-timed while back at home he blew out the candles on his birthday cake and unwrapped his presents before going to school. While video phoning home I was already in bed ready to go to sleep after a long workday in Portland. Where I was it wasn’t even his birthday yet due to the 9h time difference. I was there but I was not there. Virtual hugs and kisses are not the same. Happy Birthday, Daniel! Love you, kiddo!
I hope that he had a wonderful birthday. It is great that we have the technology that we do when those situations arise. The bills must be paid ;).
I think he had, thanks for the wishes 🙂 ! And yes, thanks for the marvels of technology. Although a pain at times they also have real value in those situations!
Ich wünsche Deinem Sohn das Allerbeste !!! und singe ein : happy birthday to you !!!
Ganz lieben Dank, Jeanette, ich bin sicher er hat es gehört und gelesen 🙂 ! Dir ein ganz wunderschönes Wochenende und liebe Grüße vom Amsterdamer Flughafen auf dem Heimweg nach Nürnberg.
wie schoen ,dass Du die Deinen bald in Deine Arme schliessen kannst.Liebe Grüße
Nice you could connect in a way, anyhow!
Yes, the marvels of modern tehnology, it eases the pain 😉
So sweet of you! I am sure your son missed you, too. 😕
Thank you for your very kind words! Marcus
Lovely post that conveys what you are feeling! A good time to think about all the birthdays you WERE there together, especially now in contrast…
Happy birthday to the young man 😊
Thank you for your great words, so much appreciated! Marcus
Awww. That’s a great photo Marcus. Sorry you couldn’t be there, but a big happy birthday to your son! ❤
Thanks, Janet, I’m sure he’ll read it as well 😉 !
Aww! Due to my husband’s job, we’ve had to do a couple of those. Cheers!
Thanks, Vicki. I know I share this with many other families. For me this was always a non-negotiable to travel on birthdays and our anniversary. I guess I have to be lucky that the first time happened 30 years into my job 😉
Happy birthday Daniel! Be happy! May all your dreams will come true.
My very best wishes to you!
Thanks, Kaya, he will read it 🙂
Marcus, very thoughtfully written. Happy Birthday to Daniel. Thank goodness for technology that allows us to at least be somewhere we’re not.
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Tim, this is very much appreciated. Marcus
That *is* hard. But thank heavens for modern technology — it helps.
Thanks, Jim, for your kind words! Yes, I’m greatful for FaceTime.
Happy birthday to your son! Sorry you couldn’t attend. 😕
Thanks, John, your comment is so much appreciated!
Happy birthday Daniel!!! Gosh, that sucks that you can’t be there but sadly we have those stupid work choices that we have to be able to pay the bills. Just know how blessed he is to have his Dad in his life as so many kids don’t 😃 But guessing you’ll be hugging him even more deeply once you’re back home 🙂
Thanks, love your comment 🙂 !!
So sad that you were unable to be at home for your son’s birthday but I’m sure you make up for it in other ways. Children grow up so quickly, ours are now in their 20’s and the time has gone in the blink of an eye, but we’ve loved every minute of it as I’m certain you also do. (Hope he saves you a slice of cake Marcus! M.
Thanks, Marion, for your kind words. I think the cake slice (a Sacher) is actually waiting in the fridge for my Saturday return 🙂
That’s good to hear!
Happy Birthday! Love Isola d’Elba!
Grazie, Nicoletta 🙂 !
Happy Birthday an unbekannt, feiert schön (wenn auch nur in Gedanken aneinander)!!!
Danke Dir 🙂 !!!!
I’m sorry you are not able to be together. Happy birthday to your boy!
Thank you so much, I’m sure he will read it!