Today is Christmas Eve. Another holiday season filled with memories of the two Christmas days we were blessed to spend with you, while watching The Pickle discover the mysteries and joy of Santa. Your absence looms large for Momma during these family celebrations, and I so desperately wish you were here with us.
Once again, we decorated a special tree in your honor - your Peanut Tree - during a holiday party for family and friends. It is one of my favorite ways to remember you, and keep you very much alive and present. And your little brother is now old enough to discuss you, hear stories about your antics and to realize that this tree and its ornaments are unique to you.
Dadda also presented Momma - and the entire family - with a fabulous surprise during our Peanut Tree party. Back in 2010, when you were still with us on earth, Momma and Dadda discovered a delightful character named Pete the Cat while on vacation. We came very close to purchasing an original painting of him, but second-guessed ourselves and walked away from the art gallery. Apparently, in the years since your death, Dadda has been in touch with the gallery about commissioning a Pete the Cat painting in your memory. And this year - close to four years later - the gallery agreed to contact the artist, James Dean, and share our story. The painting below is the result...and, frankly, I am speechless. Delighted. Amazed.
Your Peanut Effect has once again touched someone else's heart, and this painting will grace our home and watch over our family for years to come.
Merry Christmas in heaven, my sweet Peanut. Momma is sending you hugs, butterfly kisses and lots of memory-filled tears today and every day.
I love you, to the moon - and back!
- Momma
