@buddha1too, first off, Happy Birthday! I understand wanting the day to pass quietly, given all of the extremely sad recent losses. However, you still deserve to be celebrated, my friend. I hope in some way you and Maureen will do so, if not today, then within a few weeks.

Losing a parent, a sibling, spouse, or worse, a child, is so so extremely hard! And yes, a beloved pet, as well. Honestly, it's hard to even know what to say in comfort, as I've only recently lost both my father and brother and attended their funerals just a few days before my own birthday last month. I also lost my mother about 18 years ago, and still deeply feel the pain and loss. My family lost my youngest nephew to suicide, when he was only 24, back in 2017. I've also lost beloved pets, and have felt deprived without one for a while. Death is such an inevitable trauma, for sure, but we must go on and do our best to savor the days that we have. I'm glad you've been stable. That made it easier for everyone. Anyway, I'm sorry for your losses.

Do take the time to grieve properly. I hope you and your nieces have therapists that can assist with this most terrible process.