My baby boy,

I had parent teacher conferences for both your brothers today. You’d be proud to know that both are doing well academically and socially. They are both very respectful to all the other students and the teachers, so they seem to take right after you.

Elijah’s teacher said that he openly mentions being sad about missing you and being upset to both her and some of the students. Although it didn’t surprise me, it also made me happy and was a relief to hear. In Hawaii, Elijah used Pre-K as an emotional outlet for things regarding you. He liked to talk to his teachers about things, but it didn’t really happen when he did Pre-K for the two months once we moved to Pennsylvania. I love that he feels safe enough to talk about you and just that he’s so open with how he’s feeling and what’s on his mind.

I thanked Lucas’ teacher for being so kind and open with her class. Lucas loves school again, loves his teacher, and it makes such a positive impact on everything. To my surprise, Lucas sometimes mentions you at school. I found this unusual because Lucas isn’t usually as open with his emotions regarding you, but I’m thankful for it. He didn’t ever talk about you during The Caring Place sessions because he didn’t want to be upset.

Before my meeting with Lucas’ teacher, I was looking at some of their artwork and projects that were hanging outside of the classroom. They had their pictures hanging on the artwork with different things about them. One of the strips of paper listed each kids’ wish. Most kids wished for new toys, phones, or to be able to fly. One boy even wished that he could “destroy all labubus” and that one made me laugh.

Once I got to Lucas’, it made me sad. Reading his was the harsh reality that his childhood isn’t like the rest of his classmates. Lucas wished to “realive Isaiah”. It was so beautiful to read and know that there’s still that connection.

We all carry you with us each and every single day. I love you more than anything, baby boy. Goodnight and sweet dreams.