My baby boy,

It’s been exactly one year since my last full day with you. It was an eventful day. You had your last day of second grade, you saved the day of the girl stuck in her bike, you won your final lunchtime soccer game, and you asked what was for dinner because it “smelled disgusting”.

I told you on two different occasions that day how proud of you I was. I told you both times what an amazing human you were and what a kind spirit you had. I stood there and hugged you by our couch while you cried once school was over and you said you were going to miss your friends and Miss Holmes. I loved how you had no problem showing your emotions.

Ellie didn’t want to get shave ice that day so instead you guys played Rocket League. I cried upstairs and tried to assess what was happening with my life and what I needed to do to make it through the next part. I was completely oblivious to the nightmare that was about to take over my life and change everything forever.

I went to bed that night thinking my life was already at its lowest and couldn’t get worse. We were leaving Hawaii soon and we were going to go to a different lagoon. My plan at night was to wake up in the morning and get ready and out of the house on time to meet Mrs. Phillips at the lagoon. She wanted to go earlier, which was awesome because that’s what I wanted, too. My goal was to wake up in the morning, get my life together, and leave on time.

I’ve put the word out for tomorrow and got a piñata. I figured you’d appreciate a piñata and candy. I added in a few things I thought you’d enjoy like Minecraft sword keychains, some pens with pizzas on top, and noise makers. I hope you’re there tomorrow and you see everyone coming to celebrate you. I hope you see what an amazing impact you’re still having even though you aren’t physically here.

I love you, baby. Please check in on all of us tomorrow. Goodnight and sweet dreams.