My wonderful not-so-much a baby girl. You are funny, smart and one heck of a good time. I thank Goddess everyday for your being in my life. I love our time spent reading stories and hearing just how much you understand. I love how warm your back is when I come in to rub it and wake you for school. I love the way you roll your eyes at me when I say something embarrassing. I love how excited you are about the future, how you can dream so big and still be grounded here.

I apologize that life is not the way it should be. I wish I could make the world the way you deserve. You shouldn’t have to live in fear of some tragedy, but you handle the news with grace. You shouldn’t have to bury your intelligence in a mediocre classroom, but you hold your head high. You shouldn’t have to make excuses for your father, but you carry on in silence.

I hope that I have done right by you. Hope that I can make up for his not being there for you. We are strong together. You and I, me and you. We will have the brass ring, the pie in the sky – I promise.
But until then, all I can say is – I’m sorry.