As I write this letter to you, we are wrapping up Thanksgiving Day in the United States. A day devoted to breaking bread with family and reflecting on all we give thanks for in our lives. This is a day when it would seemingly be so easy to be anything but thankful - to instead be bitter about what we lost when you died. But, no. That wasn't the case, thanks to your Peanut Effect.
Today Momma and Dadda shared memories of you, your strong independent streak and your love of hugs. We cuddled your little brother as he danced, stomped through the house, and dissolved into a puddle of toddler tears over absolutely nothing. We observed that both of our little boys have voracious appetites but are both little string beans thanks to their boundless energy.
In short - today we reflected on our love of our two boys. One here on earth. One watching over us.
Today, Momma is practicing gratitude. Gratitude that is found in the simple moments, the small things. Because those are the moments I miss the most with you.
I miss bath time with your froggy bath mats and fishing pole. I miss the scent of your lavender bedtime lotion. I miss giving you butterfly kisses and nose nuggles. I miss making you caramelized fresh toast sticks. I miss sitting on the floor with you between my legs while we practiced our Saturday nail-cutting routine. I miss reading "Guess How Much I Love You" right before bedtime, and your signature Peanut neck-hug. I miss watching you mimic my one-eyebrow gaze.
Conversely, these are all the things I am thankful for. Because, I have these moments. These memories. And, I am fortunate enough to be building new, different ones with your little brother.
Momma's Thanksgiving Day message to herself and others is this - be thankful for the small gestures. The tiny seconds that someday will mean so much. Bask in them. Soak them in. Because those are the times you will miss the most, and will desperately want to relive over and over again. It's not the "big" trip or the giant birthday party. It's the constantly mispronounced word, the happily mis-matched outfits or the out-of-tune but enthusiastic singing voice that will haunt the void in your heart.
Love these moments and let them be your guideposts in life. Remember what's important…and shed the rest of the baggage. As I learned the hard way - life really is too short.
Happy Thanksgiving, Peanut. Gosh…I miss you. <sigh> Sending you my love and my heart. To the moon - and back!
- Momma
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| A musician in the making... |
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