one year...

Dear Bella,

Hard to believe it's been one year.
For one year, I have worn my fabulous socks,
and have thought of you each time.

It was pretty awesome to be with your family yesterday.
I hope you liked your purple balloons.

Did you hear your big sister's amazing words?
She's pretty remarkable...but you knew that already.

Can you believe all the wonderful people who sent letters to your dad!
How wonderful to read about you much you mean
to so many people,
in so many places.
Did you get my Jack's balloon?

He cried and cried a lot for you last night.
But, before bed, he thanked me for bringing him to the park.
He felt that you would've loved to have been there.

It's been one year.
But we love you just as much.
If not more.

We all watched quietly, as the balloons floated up...
closer to you...
You are so greatly missed.

Thank you, Ringgolds, again, for sharing your sweet, sweet baby girl with me.
My life is forever changed because of her.

(For those of you who didn't know,
I will be walking in this year's CHOC Walk,
leading Team Bella through the streets of Disneyland.
The walk is this Sunday, and it's not too late to sponsor me.
Should you want to donate in her memory, you can do
so on my page. Thank you!)