Summer Surprise Filled With Love

Dear Sweet Girl,

I will never forget the trip we took to San Antonio together this summer. Your dad invited Papa and me to join you during his week with you — something I will always be grateful for, because I know how precious his time with you is. It was such a kind and generous gift from him and his wife to share that time so we could be together.

You didn’t know we’d be at the airport, and that made the surprise even better. You came walking in, wearing your Winnie the Pooh shirt from your play and your hair in the cutest little French braids. The moment you saw us, your eyes lit up and you yelled “NANA!” so loudly it made everyone around us smile. Then you ran to me and threw your arms around me in the biggest hug. It felt like the whole airport paused to soak in the joy of that moment.

We all flew together — you, your dad, Papa, and me. On the plane, you sat right next to me. We snuggled, laughed, and shared snacks. You told me you missed me and loved me, and then, with your sweet honesty, you said you wished I was your mommy. Those words made my heart feel so full, even though they also carried a little ache.

Our week in Texas was filled with so many fun memories. We went swimming, had pizza parties, movie nights, and played games. We spent a day at SeaWorld, starting with the sea lion show. At first, we sat out in the sun, but it was so hot we were all melting. We ended up moving into the shade, and right after that, Papa rented a stroller for you so you wouldn’t have to walk so much in the heat. It made the rest of the day so much better. Later, you rode some rides with Papa and your dad, and the smile on your face made every bit of heat worth it.

As we were leaving SeaWorld, we passed a face painting booth. You looked at me and said, “Nana, remember you do face painting on me at home?” I laughed and told you I did remember — I always loved doing that. So of course, we stopped, and you got your face painted as a pink cat. You were so happy and proud of how it turned out.

We also went school shopping for kindergarten. I bought you some school uniforms, three pairs of shoes, and some pretty headbands. You were so excited to show your other grandma your new shoes, and your excitement made me so happy.

One of the sweetest moments for me was when you took me to your room and showed me the photo album we gave you for Christmas — the one with pictures of the three of us. You had brought it all the way to Texas. That told me you carry our love with you, even when we’re apart.

Saying goodbye was hard for both of us. On that last day, you kept asking me to buy you a ticket so you could fly home with me. I had to tell you no, because you still had more time with your dad — and even if you did fly home with me, you would have to go to your house, not mine. You said you didn’t want to go to your house — you wanted to go to my house. That was hard to hear, because I wanted it too. When that idea didn’t work, you told me over and over that you wanted me to miss my plane and stay with you. That was just as hard, because leaving you is never easy.

Before I left, I gave you a necklace with a pink crystal and kissed it over and over, telling you I was filling it up with my love. I told you that whenever you missed me, you could touch it and feel my love right there with you.

We don’t know exactly when the next visit will be, but I know our love and our memories will carry us until then. That week together was a gift I will treasure forever.

I love you more than words could ever say.

Love always,

Nana

When you read this one day, I hope you’ll know that my love for you was always as steady as the sun, even when I couldn’t be by your side.