Miss Mary

Dear Aaron,

Today's your Mary's birthday. Oh, she misses you. 

This past year she has poured herself into serving others, especially Gramma. She flew down here a few different times to help. She has been such a blessing, and I am so grateful for her efforts.

She loved that you used your left hand like she does. Do you still use your left hand? I'm guessing that you do, I mean, it was part of who you were. You'd kinda hold something in your right hand, but when seomthing was put in your left hand you really went to town. Was it frustrating not to be able to control your movements? Or were you just thrilled to be creating?

This is the last first birthday without you, and maybe the hardest one. 

Tomorrow morning a year ago was the last time you woke up. 

Today was Gramma's funeral and burial.  

I miss you two so much!! I went by Gramma's site tonight, all by myself, like I often do at yours. It was dark, and peaceful, and the flowers beautiful, but oh, I felt lonely. I miss her. I miss you. 

I spoke today and somehow had a much harder time keeping my composure than I when I spoke at yours. I don't get it, but I am grateful for the chance to share her testimony and mine. I'm so grateful for her example, for yours. 

I'm between two bookends, both working to hold me up; you on one side and Mama on the other. Sometimes I feel like I'm falling down. Please lend me strength' I can't do it on my own.

It was a hard day for Mary, I know. Remembering Gramma, remembering you. I am so grateful for her, for her support and love and willingness to help. 

Love you, kiddo.

Love,
Mama

“'We’ll be friends forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet. 'Even longer,’ Pooh answered.”

- A. A. Milne