Written May 15, 2007

Dear Sophie,

I’m starting to forget. It’s been a week and already I’m starting to forget. The details that are fading are not important though. I don’t need to remember the sights and sounds and smells. I can certainly do without the memory of the constant beeping and buzzing of the machines that surrounded you. Or the smell of the pack that protected your stitches. But what I will never forget is what a brave, strong girl you are. How you came through your surgery like a champ and have been totally amazing to me ever since. On the day they repaired your palate it took a little while to get your pain under control. Those were certainly the longest, worst hours of my life. I made a promise to myself to tell you how, on that day, I would have done anything in the world to take that pain away. How I would have traded places with you in a heartbeat. The look in your eyes as you gazed up at us during your struggle was truly heartbreaking, but in the hours ahead your look would change and you would reassure us that you were okay. It’s amazing to me that exactly one week later you are the same little girl that we walked into that hospital. I thought for sure that, along the way, you would lose something in that wonderful personality. I was so afraid you would lose your faith and trust in us as you wondered how we let this happen to you. I was so afraid you would be leery of strangers as you wondered if they were going to put a mask over your face or cause you pain. As the week has progressed you have shown what a loving and trusting little girl you are and have made me so happy.

I am so proud of you.

Love,
Your Mama