A birthday can be observed by donating to a charitable organization or doing something that is meaningful to you. Sometimes being with other family members and talking together about the good times experienced in the past can be a source of strength. You will grieve. Allow yourself to grieve. It's all part of the healing process.
Most victims are new to the workings of the criminal justice system.
As you progress through various stages, you may become angry and frustrated because the offender seems to have more rights than the victim or the victim's family. People naturally want to see justice done swiftly so that they can heal from that part of the trauma. Try to remember that like you, law enforcement officials want to get the crime solved and see justice served too. Criminal cases do take a lot of preparation time, and it is important to remember that accuracy and careful preparation is critical to a successful prosecution. You may find that justice does not always prevail.