My dear grandchild,

Silas MacKenzie Mathews,

 

You would be a man by now.

So many years have passed.

 

How we wanted you to stay,

but your fragile body wouldn’t let you.

 

Did you hear what your daddy said that day,

your last day here?

He said, “I am proud of my son.

He tried his best to live.

He stayed as long as he could.”

 

Eleven weeks wasn’t long enough for any of us.

 

We still talk about you, Silas.

We still say your name.

We have not – will not – forget

that you were here,

that you were ours,

that you are as much a part of this family as any of us.

You were – you are – real.

 

And we can’t wait for the day

we each can join you where you are.

 

Tell me, do you grow up in Heaven?

Or will you still be that precious baby that we love?

 

Either way, this grandma will be ready

to give you a lifetime’s worth of love.