This year my birthday was on the second to the last day of February (I only get to say that once every four years!): February 28 — the same day as my brother's birthday. No, we aren't twins. Joel was born two years after me.

When we were young, it was often a challenge having the same birthday. There were times we received presents to share, and we also shared a cake. When we were little, we would blow the candles out together; in later years, they would be lit for Joel to blow out first, then re-lit for me. We always shared our birthdays.

Now that we are adults, we are no longer together for our special day. In fact, this year, Joel was in Germany with his son. We texted while he was sitting in a Chinese restaurant, eating his birthday dinner. No big fuss for him this year but he said the food was excellent.

There was no big fuss for me either. Steven happened to have the day off from work, so we spent the day together, walking around the Southern Spring Show in Charlotte. We bought a beautiful handmade cutting board made from reclaimed wood. From another vendor, we purchased some balsamic vinegar infused with strawberries. We came home and I made a white pizza for supper: no big fuss, just a calm day with my husband.

Actually, as I sit here and recount the day, I realize that in a way, Joel and I do still share our day together. Every year we talk and have a bit of a celebration conversation. February 28 is something we will always have in common, even when we are separated by an ocean.