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Friday the 13th of February 2009
Troy's First Heavenly Birthday
Perhaps it was fate that Troy's first heavenly birthday fell on a friday
Troy was born on Friday the 13th of february 1981 and only got to celebrate this special day 3 times in his short 27 years once in 1987 when he turned 6, in 1998 when he turned 17 and again in 2004 when he turned 23.
Some people found it a bit strange me having a birthday remembrance BBQ for Troy
But how could I not do anything, too quitely pass the day by, would be like he never excisted and Troy did excist, he was loved and missed so very much and thought of every second of every day.
I was overwhelmed at all the people that attended to honor Troy's memory
It was hard for his family but the support and comfort from others made that evening so much more gentler
Messages were wrote on green balloons and released to float up to heaven
Troys little Niece Chloe wanted a birthday cake so she could blow the candles out for him.
Troy was given a 5 tier wrought iron candle holder for his 21st birthday
from his Aunt Adonna. This was always displayed proudly in his apartment
he was saving it for a special day.
Troy never got to light the candles instead it was lit for the first time by his sister Katherine at his funeral.
WE will now light the candle every birthday to honor Troy's memory.
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Saturday the 13th February 2010
Troy's second Heavenly Birthday
I was taken by surprise with the weeks leading up to Troy's Birthday with the request to have a gathering to honor his memory I don't know if those people will ever know how much it meant to me.
On the saturday we visited Troy and had luch with him. That evening Troy's sister Katherine, lit the candles on his 5 tier wrought iron candle holder. His niece Chloe and great couisn Tayar blew out the birthday candles.
Once again green balloons were released. Messages were wrote on them with so much love and a tag attached with the address to this site. I can never truly decribe the feelings I had when I recieved my first responce from someone that had found Troy's balloon. I will be forever grateful to the beautiful poeple that took the time to contact me telling me where it was found and for the kind words offered. A special page "Balloons to Heaven" has been created for these amazing people.
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Happy Birthday Troy
I love you From Chloe xoxo
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Sunday the 13th of Febuary 2011
Troy's 30th Birthday
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Troy's 3rd Heavenly Birthday
I was overwhelmed when presented with a framed International Star Registry Certificate.
Troy had his very own star, Centaurus RA 7m 28s D-58' 51' Named Troy's Star - Forever in our Hearts. Such a beautiful tribute to honor Troy's memory on his 30th Birthday. After the guest left, I sat outside gazing at the stars for the longest time looking for a sign that Troy was near.
On the Saturday evening we had a BBQ, once again the support from Family members and friends was overwhelming, I don't think they will ever truly know just what it meant to me, to have them here for Troy's 30th Birthday Remembrance. It always brings so much comfort when others acknowledge that Troy existed and was loved.
Troy's younger cousin Iesha decorated the birthday cake featuring green stars and sparklers which was just perfect. Troy's nephew Jaiden and niece Chloe lit Troy's 5 tier candle. At dusk 30 balloons with lights in them were released with messages, it was such a beautiful moment as everyone stood quietly watching them float up to heaven as we thought of cherished moments spent with Troy.
On the Sunday we went to the cemetery and had lunch with Troy (this is something we often do) we released more balloons with messages.
Monday, February 13th 2012
Troy's 4th Heavenly Birthday.
This year was a more intimate Birthday remembrance for Troy.
His sister Katherine and myself decided that we would cook his favourite meal of roast lamb, roasted potato and pumpkin, fresh steamed vegetables and yourksire dumplings. For dessert was golden syrup dumplings with custard and ice cream, a recipe handed down from Troy's nan Heather one he absolutely loved.
We had an ice cream cake with a single green candle that my grandchildren blew out for Troy.
His sister once again lit his 5 tier candle's.
I was given a voucher for what I miss read as 10 helium balloons that was about to expire. When they were delivered, as the delivery person kept bring balloons in and the covered the lounge room roof, I quickly discovered it was for 100 balloons.
The children in the street came over and helped us release over half the balloons, it was such a beautiful sight watching so many float up to heaven, we all stood there watching them until they disappeared. The children were all excited to take home the remaining balloons.
Wednesday, February 13th 2013
Troy's 5th Heavenly Birthday
How can it be 5 years?
We had a family birthday remembrance for Troy once again cooking his favourite meal. Like usual a space was set aside for him.
Troy's 5 tier candles were lit as we do every year and blown out at the end of the evening. We had purchased a green ice cream cake, I' m sure Troy would of been looking down and smiling at us all.
I was amazed at the little trinkets and cards that were left for Troy when i visited him during the day. There was even a little paddy cake with a green candle, the tell tale sign of a cigarette behind it told me instantly it was left from his sister, Katherine always leaves him a cigarette when she visits.
Thursday 13th of February 2014
Troy's 6th Heavenly Birthday
I found it a little harder this year as the days lead up to Troy's birthday, I've been told it
gets easier with time but to me time makes it so much harder for its more time that I've missed my son.
It was a warm day but rained continusiouly throughout the day, it was actually Adelaides wettest two days and with over 92mm of rain was offically recorded as Adelaides wettest day in 45 years.
If anything could go wrong that day it did! Katherine went to purchase flowers but because of road works was unable to pull up so decided to go to the local shopping center to purchase birthday balloons for her brother. On returning to the car she found it wouldnt start, it was dead. She was stranded knowing she would have to pick the children up from school soon. I remember her saying thats it, im going to eat Troy's chocolate now....but she never did!
I was preparing for our usual birthday remembrance roast when I recieved a call from my Goddaughter Kimberley asking if she could come to Adelaide for dinner and stay the night. I dont think she will truly realsie how much that meant to me having her wanting to be here to help us honor Troy.
Chloe presented me with a picture she drew for Troy, this is something she has done for the past six years and each time she gives it to me it touches my heart just like the first time. I love that she remembers her uncle and thinks of him quite often.
Katherine lit Troys candles before we sat down to eat. The candle on the birthday cake that Chloe decorated was lit and given to Aithan to blow out. I was taken by surprise when Kimberley asked "arnt we going to sing Happy Birthday", I smiled and told her we never do, we just light the candle and the kids blow it out. Jaiden was away on his first high school camp, it seemed strange not having him here but I knew he was having a good time and always kept his uncle safely tucked away in his heart.
Troy's 7th Birthday in Heaven
This year I had many emotions as Troy's birthday approached, perhaps it was because his birthday fell on a Friday for the second time in 7 years in Heaven. His Dad was working away again and couldn't be here, I know he found it hard not being with his family.
We had some wonderful weather in Adelaide but the last week's temperature sat at around 32-35, the patchy clouds and top of 24c was a pleasent change in the weather. I had spoken to Katherine about Troy's remembrance Birthday and we decided instead of the traditional roast meal at home which Troy loved we opted for having a BYO takeaway dinner at the cemetery with Troy.
I met Katherine, Peter, Jaiden, Chloe and Aithan at the cemertary, they had purchased my dinner as i had forgotten to eat that day.
His Aunty Adonna along with Cousin Tegam and partner Jake and their two children Ashton and baby Tyson who attended with their take away meals to eat with Troy.
We had some little cupcakes with freshcream and eatible butterflies on them, Aithan blew out Troys birthday candle. Troys 5 tier candle's were lit by his sister.
I was surprised when Troys Nan and Pa arrived. My Dad, Troys Pa had been dignosed with Advanced prostate cancer and wide spread bone cancer in July 2014. In some ways i think my Dad found comfort seeing the love that continues from those left behind. He wrote a message to Troy on his balloon before releasing it to float up to heaven.
Troy's 8th Birthday in Heaven
It was a beautiful warm sunny day with the temperature reaching a top of 25. We had just had three hot days in a row sitting around 32 so today the weather was a nice change.
Sunrise was at 6:46am and sunset at 8:12pm.
Troys Dad was home, it was so comforting having him around.
Terry and I met his siter Katherine, her husband Peter and their children, Troy's neiece Chloe and nephew's Jaiden and Aithan and his Aunty Adonna where we had a BYO birthday remembrance dinner with Troy.
Troy's birthday cake consisted of rumballs that i had made (with out the rum) and brandy snacks full of whipped cream. There was a single green candle that Aithan blew out for his Uncle. His Aunt Adonna lit three sage incense, she is spiritual and it has great meaning to her. She also brought Troy a white heart made from cane.
Katherine wore Troys shirt something she always does, I also usually wear one of Troys shirts on his birthday along with Peter, Jaiden & Chloe and I am sure that once Aithan Troy fits into one he will wear it also.
Katherine and Peter each drank a can of Smirnoff Iced double black. Troy wasnt much of a drinker but if he did have a couple that's what he drank. They left a little in the can and placed it in front of Troys resting place with a rollie cigarette on top of a can. Katherine always leaves a smoke for her brother.
While we were all sitting there the freight train did not disappoint, passing at the perfect moment bringing a smile to our faces as we thought about Troy.
Troy's 9th Birthday in Heaven
Troy's 10th Heavenly Birthday
I could of easily hid from the world today! It was a painful process acknowledging that this was Troy's 10th birthday in heaven. I should of been celebrating the day he was born with him, not leaving trinkets at a cemetery. I wanted to shout from the highest building so the world would know that my son existed and that it was his birthday.
As the day progressed, I found comfort from the many telephone calls and messages from family and friends letting me know they were thinking of Troy. My greatest fear is he will be forgotten, today I was reassured that he was very much loved and will always be remembered.
Troy's sister Katherine and myself visited around lunch time, it was no surprise to me that she was wearing Troy's shirt on his birthday, together we trimmed the grass and washed Troy's grave (we always say he's having a hair cut and wash, I think troy would like that). It was a beautiful sunny day with a top of 31oC although it felt a lot hotter sitting in the sun.
A freight train went past, we both smiled and shook our head. We take it as a sign from Troy as it appears no matter the time of day we go to visit a fright train almost always seems to pass. Troy lived in the area and was close to a main intersection he cursed the freight trains going past especially when they slowed down at the crossing blowing the horn and waking him up early morning when he was trying to sleep after a night shift.
We made a cake from some of Troy's favorite biscuits, covering them in icing and decorating it with green flakes of wafer, it perhaps wasn't the best looking cake but I think Troy would of loved it just the same. We lit the candle and watched it burn for the longest time silently both knowing how the other felt and wishing things were different.
Troy's Aunt Adonna text saying she would like to have dinner with Troy and asked if we were going. It turned out to be a pleasant evening. We all brought take away and laid the picnic rug on the ground and sat in front of Troy. On my arrival Id discovered the ants having a feast with the cake we had taken earlier that day. There were hundreds of ants and I smiled, troy as a youngster had ant farms, he for some reason found them fascinating. Katherine her husband Peter and their children Jaiden, Chloe and Aithan arrived just shortly after myself. Aithan wanted to give his uncle a chip and after thinking the ants will east it decided to place it beside the ant infested cake.
Adonna, her husband Pari and their 15 month old twins Noah and Aaliyah arrived not long after. The twins often visit Troy and at a tender age already realize this is a special place, I am sure they will know their cousin Troy through our memories. We decided to blow up some balloons at Chloe's request and after releasing them we all watched them float up in the sky above until they were out of sight. At that moment another freight train passed.
Troy's Dad was working away, he called many times through out the day, perhaps he was having a rough day and didn't want to say anything or perhaps he was just checking to make sure I was OK. He did say he was going to send Troy a text, I giggled thinking that Id like to see and that Id love to do!!
Troys Nan wasn't feeling too good, she had been unwell and it would of taken its toll on her sitting in the heat, she sent a message via facebook saying how much she loved and missed her grandson and called many times through out the day also.
Thursday the 13th of february 2020
Troy's 12th heavenly Birthday
Saturday the 13th of February 2021
Troy's 13th Heavenly Birthday
Happy 40th Birthday Troy xx
Tasha
Sunday the 13th of February 2022
Troy's 14th heavenly Birthday
This year we done something a little different for Troy's remembrance birthday. It was quite a warm day, his Dad was home and suggested we go fishing at Saint Kilda on the rocks. Katherine, Peter, Jaiden, Chloe and Aithan came with us.
We didn't catch any fish but luckily we took the crab nets and managed to get enough for a nice feed. Troy loved fishing as a child and would often sneak down to the stream near us with a bit of fishing line and a hook.
That evening Terry and I walked along the beach eating an ice-cream and watched the sunset. Katherine and Peter had a Smirnoff drink later in the evening to honor Troys life.
Adelaide's temperature reached a high of 32.2, earlier in the week we had four straight days ranging from 33.5 to 34.4. Sunrise was at 6:45am and was gorgeous with the pink sky. Sunset was at 8:12pm and was absolutely beautiful with the amazing colours of red, orange and yellow.
Monday, 13th February 2023
Troy's 15th heavenly Birthday
Tuesday February 13th 2024
Troy's 15th Heavenly Birthday
I was once again overwhelmed by the calls and messages reminding me that Troy was loved and remembered, each honouring his memory in there own special way.
Troy's Godbrother Benjamin called just after breakfast, letting me know he
was thinking of us and asked me to wish Troy a Happy Birthday when we visited. Benjamin works for Qantas and had just got home from a return trip to Hong Kong, it meant so much to me knowing how jet lagged he was and he still
took the time to check in on me.
Troy's Aunty Adonna (my sister) called just after lunch to let me know she was thinking of Troy she was going to visit Troy after she picked her children up from school and asked if we were having dinner with Troy. Troy's Dad Terry and I had already been to visit Troy, we had lunch with him then cleaned his resting place, changed his flowers and trimmed the lawn. We tied two green balloons to the flowers, which had floated away sometime in the afternoon. I was disappointed that a freight train didn't go past while we were there
but smiled remembering the train just after midnight.
We took the girls (Our blue heeler Tasha and red heeler Cassie) to visit, it is a familiar place to them and they are always so calm while visiting Troy.
Terry had just had 4 days off, it was nice having him home for the lead up to Troy's heavenly birthday, I'm sure he tried to distract me, he kept my mind busy. Last night he took me out to dinner, he choose Red Roaster one of Troy's favourite take away meals, we ate in the restaurant. We then went to the cinema and watched The Beekeeper staring Jason Statham, it was an actin picture not one Id usually like but I found myself thinking of Troy wishing he was with us. Troy loved Jason as an actor and had a small collection of his DVD's including The Transporter 1&2,
Collateral and Cellular which we had watched together.
After the movie we visited Troy's Nan (My Mum). We took her out a coffee and apple pie a little treat she would sometimes have with Troy. She had a fall early hours of the morning a week ago. I rushed out at 2 am after she had called to find her on the floor in the narrow passage near the back door with her walking frame on top of her, she was unable to get up. The ambulance arrived just after I did and because of the restricted space had to put a tarp under her to drag her to the living room where they could access her. There were fears that she may of broken her hip and ankle. After 18 hours at the emergency department she was finally released and I took her home. Luckily there were no broken bones, she was sore and had severe bruising on her coxic, legs and arms.
I knew Mum would not be able to visit Troy, she will go when she's feeling better, even though it is a short the trip, it would of been to hard for her. She called a few times through out the day,talking about Troy and checking in on me.
When we left Mum's, Terry took me to West Lakes, It is a large man made lake one side has luxury homes and the other side where we were has beautiful landscaping with pavers and bench seats. We went for a walk then sat on a bench seat opposite the lake both of us quietly watching the lights and moon reflecting on the water with our own thoughts of Troy wondering what he'd be like to day at aged 43 and how it was possible that for 15 years we have had to visit him at his resting place and place trinkets for his birthday.
On the way home we got caught at a train crossing, we sat there for almost 10 minutes with the beam gate down and lights flashing with no signs of a train coming, there was a car and two trucks waiting behind us so we couldn't back up. Usually we would get frustrated thinking the signals were malfunctioning but we were relaxed. A few moments later we hear a horn blasting in the distance then a light slowly appearing, it was a freight train going so, so slow and one of the longest I've ever seen. When I first looked at the clock on the dash it was five minutes to midnight and by the time it had passed it was officially Troy's heavenly birthday. It warmed my heart, it was a sign from Troy and the wait was worth it.
I received a call from Troy's Aunty Judy (Terry's sister), in the afternoon. Judy and her two granddaughters that she is caring for sang happy birthday to Troy over the phone. She wanted me to know that she was thinking of us and reminisced about Troy. She couldn't stay on the phone long as they had a power outage and didn't expect the power back on for another 8 hours and her battery percentage was low.
I love that Troy's memory lives on through her grandchildren aged 4 and 8.
Weatherzone reported that Victoria was hit by 544,000 lightning strikes between 9am and 9pm today February 13th with wind gusts of up to 130km an hour. (Judy told her granddaughters that it was Troy, sending them a sign that he was near although I'm sure Troy would of sent a much gentler sign). The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action said the storms caused the collapse of six transmission towers near Anakie, between Geelong and Bacchus Marsh, and tripped an entire power station in Gippsland. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said it was "one of the largest outage events in the state's history" and some transmission lines had physically collapsed. 300,000 homes and business were left without power including Swan Hill, Troy's home town, it is predicted that over 222,000 homes will be with out power for days, if not weeks.
Terry and I went back up to visit Troy just before Terry had to leave Adeliade. Troy's Aunty Adonna and twins Noah and Aayliah were there, they had given Troy some beautiful dark pink almost purple chrysanthemum flowers and brought a banana to place on our Dads bench seat. Noah and Aayliah at the age of 7 years have been visiting Troy on his birthday since they were a few months old, they keep his memory alive and talk about Troy as if they have met him, it truly warms my heart that Troy lives on threw them..
Troy's god sister Kimberley text later in the afternoon, she was working away. She wanted me to know that she was thinking of me today. At morning tea she cut her cupcake in quarters and shared with her work mates telling them its for Troy. Later that evening she went out side to look at the stars.
I had many messages through out the day via facbook from friends and family letting me know I was in there thoughts, which I was truly grateful for.
Sunrise in Adelaide today was at 06:45 and sunset 20:12, it was an over cast night but still managed to see a beautiful red sky. The tempeture was 27 but felt a lot warmer in the direct sun perhaps because it was 37 the day before. By 4pm there was a breeze and by 7pm it was windy and the clouds started to grey maybe drifting across from Victorian storms.
Edwina~Troy Mitchells mum | February 20, 2015 |