It is my mother’s birthday again, but there is nothing I can do about it still.

Addendum (December 4, 2003)

To my delight, Marko remembered the birthday. He sent me an electronic-mail message about it before I sent anything to him. I responded at once, and sent him this piece. I also mentioned that my mother’s birthdays had been hard on me ever since she died. Every time the date comes round I write a few words on the occasion, but they stick in my throat, as it were. Although he did not respond, I know he was delighted that we shared this birthday among birthdays. And that we will share it for years to come.