Darling Daughter,

There's a big, sad hole in my heart where you belong.

When you were birthed and laid on my stomach, literally screaming, I experienced a joy and elation that only a mother knows. That depth of feeling for and connection to your child never diminishes despite life circumstances.

Your first sentence was "I do it 'mytelf' ", being unable, at the age of less than 2, to say the sss sound. You continued that independent attitude for the rest of your life.

You had many exceptional abilities and  many choices of life paths to follow. Perhaps, that contributed, in some way, to your final choice.

I look around my home and see reminders of you -- framed pictures of my kitties, a necklace, a hat, a kindle, a still life that was yours.

It does give me great comfort know that you were welcomed into the embraces of my sisters and that you are with other family members including your grandmother after whom you were named.

I will miss your physical presence in my life. Thank you for choosing to be my daughter.