This beautiful evening, the sky filled with huge puffy clouds, I traveled through small towns and farmlands to attend the 21st birthday party for a young woman named Janelle.  Her best friend from high school put together the celebration held at a restaurant in a small town owned by her father called “Janelle’s Family Restaurant.”

Her mother, father and her grandmother were there, along with other relatives and many of her friends.  There were balloons, a buffet, a cake.  But the guest of honor was not there, though her portrait hung above the fireplace.   Janelle was killed five years ago when the family car, stopped in a traffic jam caused by a semi driver up ahead, was hit from behind by another semi.  Janelle was in the back seat.  She was sixteen and an only child.

Tonight her school friends showed her parents that they have not forgotten Janelle.  Though they have moved on with their lives, some have married, had children, are in college or working, they still hold Janelle and her family in their hearts.  I found that so mature for people that would have been just children themselves when Janelle died.

Tonight there were balloons and cake.  There were hugs and stories.  And there were smiles, but the smiles were restrained.  Because Janelle wasn’t there.  I never met Janelle, don’t know what she might have done with her life if she had been allowed to live it.  But I can tell you that she has awesome friends.  And that tells me she was pretty awesome herself.

So Janelle.  If you were floating up there with those beautiful clouds tonight I hope you know what joy your friends have brought to your folks tonight and over the years.  And how much they all miss and love you.  I hope, too, that you understand when I say I wish I  never met them.  It’s not because they aren’t all pretty wonderful.  It’s because I wish with all my heart that you could have been at your 21st birthday tonight.

Happy Birthday Janelle.  And hugs to your parents.