My baby boy,

It’s a late night for us. We had our orientation today for The Caring Place, which is pretty much the Kids Hurt Too of Pittsburgh.

When I reminded everyone before we left for school today about our plans, Ellie was unhappy. I told her we needed to go to the orientation. She replied with, “do we need to go or are you just making us?”. I told her that it’s actually both, we are required to go in order to start the group and I’m going to force them to go anyway. They didn’t want to go to Kids Hurt Too and they loved it, so I am hoping for the same outcome here. It’s an amazing support resource for us.

We had to drive downtown. Because it’s been a while since I’ve navigated the city, I of course missed the parking garage, tried to turn around, and had to take a ten minute “detour” through the North Shore. We made it though.

We had dinner there and then everyone got split up. I sat with the adults and they pretty much discussed with us how the program works. While the guy was talking, I was staring at the welcome book he gave us and just felt lucky. I am so incredibly thankful that resources like this exist. I could not imagine navigating your loss alone. I was lucky enough to not know about these programs, but am so thankful they’re out there and available.

Ellie, Lucas, and Elijah loved it. They were all in separate rooms based on their ages, but it was amazing to hear. I know how important it is to address our grief and this is a perfect way. Lucas asked if we could go back tomorrow and Ellie asked why it’s going to take so long for the session to start.

I love you so much, my baby. Goodnight and sweet dreams.