Dear S.,

Today was an important day, and one I want you to know about someday — not because of court papers or grown-up words, but because something big and beautiful happened for our family.

Today, the judge said that you get to see us again.

It has been a long time since we’ve been able to hug you, hear your stories, or see your smile in our home. But we never stopped loving you, thinking of you, or hoping for the day when the door would open again.

And today, it opened.

I want you to know something that is true, now and always:

nothing you did caused the distance, and nothing you could ever do would make us stop loving you. Even on the days when we couldn’t be together, you were still part of us — in our prayers, in our conversations, in our memories, and in all the hopes we held close.

When I read the judge’s order today, I cried — not from sadness this time, but from relief. Relief that your world can become bigger again. Relief that you will get time with the people who adore you. Relief that I get to sit beside you, listen to you, and watch you grow again.

You have a big family behind you — cousins, uncles, aunts, your Papa, and me — all of us woven into your life since the day you were born. You brought joy into every corner of our home, and we never stopped wanting you here.

As you grow up and read this one day, I want you to know something deep in your heart:

We never stopped showing up for you.

We never stopped believing in you.

We never stopped fighting for time with you — not out of anger, but out of love.

In ten days, we get to see you again.

I cannot wait to hold you.

I cannot wait to hear your laugh.

I cannot wait to show you, as I always have, how important you are to me.

I love you, S.— more than these words will ever capture.

With all my heart,

Nana