My Isaiah Joseph,

My Isaiah Joseph,

Hi, my baby. Physically, I didn’t do much today. I sat in the van and drove to the other side of the island and back for the workshop. I sat in a seat for a little over six hours listening to people talk and as soon as I got home we went to Daniel K because Ellie wanted us to see the soap she made and we had to go to the book fair. I saw the video game pencil you bought last year, but there were no new Dog Man books. Anyway, although I didn’t do much physical activity today, I honestly feel like I’ve run a half marathon. I’m so tired. I never knew the toll emotional stuff took on my body. Maybe it was never severe enough? Maybe I’m just worn down after nearly four months of this.

We talked all about bereaved siblings. I also got to hear from five adults who had lost a sibling. However, most of them lost their sibling when they were older. I paid special attention to the woman who lost her older brother when she was eleven. Tomorrow we will watch how they put together and run a “sib shop” event. I went ahead and looked if they have any of them in Pittsburgh, but I didn’t see much. I will do more research, but maybe when we move that’s something I should work on trying to start. I know how incredibly thankful for Kids Hurt Too Hawaii I have been, I would like to think people everywhere can have access to some program like that. You can help me with getting that done, considering I’ve never done a thing like that and frankly thinking about it stresses me out. Send me some of your strength! It’s been extremely important for me to find resources for your siblings, so I can imagine that other parents have the same concerns.

We saw Owen and his mom at the book fair tonight. Owen recognized me and said he needed to “say hi to Isaiah’s mom”. That warmed my heart so much. You knew how to pick some pretty great friends.

Miss Areka sent me a picture of a butterfly today. It was by our driveway a few times when she went over to Miss Madison’s house and was just kind of hanging out for a while. I’d like to think that’s a little sign from you, that you’re still randomly around and watching.

Tomorrow is going to be another long day, but I’m hoping to learn a little more about how I can help your siblings cope. I love you more than anything, my baby. Goodnight and sweet dreams.