My sweet Cookie Pie ,

My sweet boy. How did I not imagine how much I would miss you? I’ve said hundreds of goodbyes now throughout my nursing years… how I had hoped that those days would be gone soon, and we could move on. The thought of moving on without you, my heart dismisses. I think about you all the time, my beautiful boy! Your energy will stay with mom always, just like I promised you. Mom will always be here. And Mom will be ok, just like I promised you. I am so grateful to have held you in my arms next to our Zalie girl, just the 3 of us one more time. I know now that you waited, and I don’t know how to thank you… for everything you’ve given us these 16 years.

The house is so quiet without your voice, Cookie. Nothing feels like home. What I wouldn’t give to have you pat me on the cheek with your little paw just one more time.

But no matter how much time we have, it is never enough, and I will miss you as strongly and with a painful beauty that can transcend time and space… the same today as 500 months from now.

Thank you for loving me, Cookie Pie. You will always be one of the greatest gifts the universe has given to me. Thank you for teaching me so much. Thank you for calling me “Mom.”

Love,

Mom