An Example of How to Love Us

As soon as I checked the mail the other day and got this beautiful surprise, I knew I wanted to share it here. Because it's the perfect example of how to show your love, thoughtfulness, and understanding to someone who is grieving a loss like ours.

An Easter card. Fully addressed to our boy. Lovingly sent from his Nanny and Papa. My mom and dad. Just the most wonderful two people on Earth.

Did I cry? Of course. Not because it upset me. But because I thought it was beautiful. I mean, the card alone was perfect. But to have it sent just to him. It's what we always would have wanted if he lived. And because he's so very much alive in our hearts, it always breaks me down a little bit when he isn't included in things.

I realize it might seem unnatural to include him. Not normal to acknowledge him as if he's here when he "isn't." But as I wrote yesterday, what's normal and natural to me doesn't have to be your version of normal and natural. But it's a pretty great expression of your love and understanding when you try to include him and acknowledge him in whatever ways you're comfortable.

That's why this card is so special to us. A special card from his grandparents, acknowledging and celebrating Ryan's first Easter.