i remember when i told my mom the sophie died, she in her european way said "dina, don't tell amara, she can't handle it". me being not so euopean (at times) said "that's nuts mom, she not only needs to know, she needs to grieve and honour her little friend".
7 months later, the loss of this little girl pinches us hard in the most unusual times and ways. we have an open door policy, the girls can ask any question and talk about sophie as much as they need and want. as long as they can handle me crying every time they do... their fine with that.
normally at this time in july we are away at the cabin starting our summer family vacation, this year we are held back by dry wall installers taking longer than planned (the ways of home renovation i suppose!).
now, i think it was the universe's plan to allow us to honour our little friend on her special "bday week". the week has had loads of conversations from "do they celebrate birthdays in heaven" to "i wish i was there with her" (that was a hard sentence to hear) but all these conversations, a lemonade stands for the BC children's hospital (in sophie name that was all their idea) and a birthday card release up to heaven today is what i like to call healing, loving and releasing pain.
to anyone who thinks keeping death under the rug and "shh don't talk about it" attitudes, i would highly recommend you don't take that approach. children are so smart and they to hurt in their on individual ways, they need an outlet. help them heal through art, your ear, your real feelings and thoughts and your open door to any questions. you never know, it might just help you heal too.
dear little sophie, HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!!
{amara made a horn, counted down and released her balloons. she chased them and said run with me sophie i know your here beside me} sigh, BALLING.
