Hi Mom:

I know I usually write to you on the actual day you passed, which was yesterday, but I’ve been very busy taking care of my baby girl, who is very near to giving birth to her own baby girl! Yes, you are going to be a great-grandmother again, and I am going to be a grandmother!

Since we found out in January that Mikaela is expecting, it’s been a whirlwind. Several visits down to see her and Drew, a perfect baby shower – even though it poured rain and was downright cold for the month of June, still it was perfect, a decision to rent a studio apartment right across the street from the expectant parents, and finally, the move in.

This past week was very stressful, and I talked to you a lot through the galaxy, wishing so much that you were physically here. Mikaela spent three days in the hospital with severe back pain, which, after several intense conversations with several doctors they finally agreed with me that it was probably a kidney stone. Dad, you know what I mean. She was in so much pain, and I couldn’t do a thing to help her. It finally subsided after the second night, and she came home yesterday.

She’s 36 weeks along and watching her suffer was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do as a mother. I thought, as I often have throughout my lifetime, how in God’s name did you and Dad manage seeing one of your 8 children suffer when there was nothing you could do? I was aching for her as I know kidney stone pain all too well. I was scared that something might happen to the baby. I was terrified that she would go into labor. I spent three days walking to clear my head, talking to you and asking for you to show me a sign so that I could find the patience and grace and calmness that you always showed when things got tough. I’m not sure what the sign was, but somehow I was able to hide my own fears and anxiety and channel you and your love so I could be there for my daughter.

Right now, she is here in my apartment, sleeping in my bed, snoring and comfortable, getting some much-needed rest. So, I took this time to write to you across the Universe.

I am so excited to become a Grandma. Doug can’t wait for his little granddaughter to be born. It’s a new and exciting chapter of our life. My only sadness is that you and Dad are not here to share it with her and Drew and us. I know you will touch her in spirit and whisper in her heart how much you love her. And she will absolutely feel it.

I miss you. I love you. Until we meet again, so long. Je t’aime Ma Mere.

Your loving daughter,

Meg