Dear Mom,

It's Thanksgiving morning. The first one without you here, and I just want to stay in bed without being around anyone. I won't, though- I'll put my face on and wear something that makes me feel confident.

I asked my Aunt if there was anything I could make to help with this evening's dinner, knowing that she would ask me to make green bean casserole... like you used to.

Little man and I put your tree up yesterday, and I placed it up in the window, but he absolutely lost it. When I asked why he was crying, he said, "I just miss my Gigi." He was upset that I'd put your tree in a different spot.

How am I supposed to remain composed through that? He's almost 5 and has better emotional intelligence than the majority of adults I know!

This morning's weather is god awful, and we're currently under a winter weather advisory. It's the type of storm that would have kept you in your robe most of the day and questioning if you were going to skip out on today's festivities.

When I shut my eyes to ponder, I can envision you coming out of the bedroom wearing the blue robe I gifted you a few Christmases ago, your hair pulled back into a bun like a samurai warrior. Smiling while asking if I'm hungry or want some tea.

The wind is howling, and the roads are slicked with ice. I know you'll still be with us today as our guardian angel, but I'd give anything just to hear your laugh on this day.

I just love you,

Your one and only child.