When my son was young, and attending Montessori school, there was a tradition they had for birthdays.

All of the children would sit in a circle with a candle in the middle (representing the sun,) while the Birthday Child would walk a lap around the circle, one lap for every year he had been on Earth.

It was a reminder to the child that we are all part of the lifecycle.

That we are connected to one another and the Universe.

I think of this as my husband takes a breath and holds it, carefully considering his wish.

I am reminded that life is a journey we all travel, and that time is measured by exhales and wishes and trips around the sun.