My dearest Lucy,

One month from today, we should be celebrating your 2nd birthday… you should be TWO! A two-year-old little you! I can picture you, my darling girl, in my mind’s eye, bursting with life, growing like a weed, chattering away, sharing smiles to light up the world. In that alternate universe that still exists in our hearts, that’s what’s happening.

My little girl, you’re part of my everything, part of my soul. It still hurts so much that I can only just imagine you, and that all we have are just a tiny handful of memories. The memories I keep of you are my most treasured possessions. Those, along with the signs I see of you in my everyday life, are so important to me. I saw you in the butterfly that lingered today as I watered your garden, in the dragonfly that landed on your Daddy’s fingertip in the yard last night, in the kind message from cherished friends yesterday… all I have to do is look, and there you are.

I wish for more time with you, even if only in a dream where we can be together again, just for a few minutes. I miss you.

I love you always, sweet Lucy. You’re my inspiration to continue living a kind life, one filled with gratitude and love… though we didn’t have enough time together, I am forever grateful that you’re our daughter. There is no purer love than the one your Daddy and I have for you and your baby brother. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. Happy 23 months, baby girl.

Always,

Mommy