Dearest Eva,

By the time you are able to read this, I'm sure you will have a better understanding of what happened with your mother.   Your mom has been gone for two months now.  It's been incredibly hard without her.  She is still all around us.  I could still hear her laugh if I close my eyes and remember.  I hope her laughter will always be that easy for me to recall.  But your Auntie is getting older.  I have a hard time remembering what I wore yesterday.  Beyond teaching you about your incredible mom, in writing to you I'm hoping to also preserve those memories for myself.  All I have of your mom are those memories, so I intend to hold on to them as tight as I possibly can. 

While your mom was in the hospital, I went to see her daily.  She had the same request from me every single time.  Even when communication was tough for her, she wanted to make it known.  "See Eva," she would repeat to me.  "See Eva.  Run with Eva," and when I jokingly asked if I could also give you snacks, she firmly replied, "healthy only." 

Now although I take honorary Auntiehood very seriously, I want you to know it is not a chore for me.  Your mom did request that I spend time with you, but it has been so easy to do.  You have been such a gift to my life.  Right now, I definitely need you more than you need me.  I look forward to the days I get to see you and definitely miss you the times in between.  I hope even at this young age that you could feel my love.  It's the highlight to my week to hear you say "Aunnie, UP!" and see you reach out to me to be held.  You have my heart if your tiny little hand.  Oh boy, I hope I don't spoil you rotten!



Love always,
Auntie Taramae