Today is your 10th Birthday

For Red.

I remember loading you into my van for the first time. I brought you to our home when you were just shy of 4 years old on August 22, of 2019. Quickly came that 4^th birthday of yours. We have spent many birthdays with you and many now, without you. As we enter into leaves and chilly mornings, we continue to wonder who you are, and who you are becoming. Our family is living in a home that is quickly outgrowing certain spaces, and there is a struggle to process having to utilize your bedroom for anyone, but you. It had been your very own room. Full of all your own things and drawers the others were not to touch. Containing your unicorn earrings, hook & loom kit and poem about the pickle shop. Are pickles still your favorite?

I wrote in your journal tonight. Inside it contains my prayers for you, thoughts about you, and current life events within the family for you to reflect on someday.

That someday I am praying for whether its sooner, or later.

I started to fold, pack and neatly organize your precious items and keepsakes into containers I bought just for you. Things I hope we can share with you whether its sooner, or later. While I did that, I was gently reminded by The Father that who you were within our home and family is not being erased. The memories we have will stay tucked into deep pockets of our hearts forever. Dad and I can tap into these moments of history whenever we need to feel close to you.

Our time with you was not wasted. You are loved, cherished and remembered. Now we wait, with expectant hope for the future. That future, whether its sooner or later.

Love, Mom