They were born on the same date. February 25th. My mother, Sheila and my stepmother, Sabrina.

The both of them were in my life for as long as I can remember. My dad and Sabrina got married when I was 5 or 6 so there wasn’t ever really a time when I didn’t know her.

She’s gone now.

It’s weird, you know, to be so used to calling two people, and sending two cards, and then one of them is gone.

The challenge of holding it together when my heart hurts so bad for the loss of the woman who gave me my sister while celebrating the woman who gave birth to me, and who’s still here, is such a blatant example of the duality of life.

Life is sweet and horrible. It’s full of opportunities, and incredible disappointments.

And so was my relationship with both of my mothers. Ups and downs. Highs and lows. Lots of fights and tons of love.

I will forever be grateful for February 25th, and for these two birthdays, and for these two women.

Forever.

Happy Birthday, Mom and Sabrina. I love you both.