My handsome boy,

We had the Caring Place tonight. When I went to Elijah’s room to pick him up, you could tell he had a lot on his mind. I asked if he was doing okay and he said that he just missed you. In his group tonight, they made memory boxes and he drew a picture of memories of you. He was upset he didn’t have anything in his memory box, but I told him we would work on putting things in it at home. That seemed to cheer him up a little bit. Then he showed me the picture he drew and he was so happy describing it. He drew a big wave and was talking about the time at Mokuleia when the waves were crazy with Abuela and they washed up and took all our stuff. Abuela then grabbed everything, took it, and wanted to leave while you were still enjoying yourself.

Ellie and I also got onto the topic of the failed Kite Day at Walton when we were living in Virginia. I tried, but our kites were trash and were all broken within the first minute or two. Some of those people had the classy cloth kites and just flew them the entire time. Maybe you wouldn’t remember much about that day, but hopefully you’d remember that your brothers and I came.

I do remember when we got to come eat lunch with you at your school in Virginia. You were so excited that day, it was a big thing. I picked up some McDonald’s with the boys and then we got to eat in the cafeteria with you. I feel like those are the times that meant the most to you.

I’m so thankful for those eight years that I got to be your mom. I love you more than anything, my baby. Goodnight and sweet dreams.