Dad lit the candles on his heart-shaped cookie cake, the lights dimmed, and trembling voices began to sing happy birthday. Everyone saw how happy she was with my dad sitting next to her holding her hand and all eyes were on the happy couple. A box of tissues was passed around the room and I imagine it must have been bittersweet for my mother to witness; nevertheless, she looked very happy as she looked around the room. Everything started moving in slow motion. I realized in those 20 seconds that my family and friends were there for her. Not because she was dying, just because it was her birthday and on birthdays we don't celebrate life.