Day 88

Feeling better today. Credit goes to a good night of sleep. 

I received a nice text from aunt this morning. (This is my dad’s sister.) She has been reaching out periodically since Damian died to let me know that she is thinking of me and Dawn. Her timing today was good. I was just looking at old pictures of Damian yesterday and had run across one of him with my aunt and uncle from January 2007. We had traveled to San Antonio to celebrate my in-laws 40th wedding anniversary. Damian was 10 months old and kind of butterball. In my reply to my Aunt I sent her a copy of the picture. Thought she might like it.


I also sent her the last picture I took of Damian. I had taken it a couple of days before he died. Dawn’s mom had asked for a picture of the three of us that she could include in her Christmas cards. 


Notice how warm and gentle Damian’s smile is? Nearly every picture we have of Damian he is smiling. Genuinely so. I don’t recall ever recall seeing a picture of him with one of those put on, cheesy, over-the-top smiles that young children are famous for. To me, this speaks to his nature. He was always genuine. Dawn and I used to say that he had an “old soul”. I’m probably projecting but I think I can see it now in this picture.

Damian, 

I don’t know what happened that night, but I hope with all my heart that you knew with your last breath that I, we, loved you unconditionally. You will always be in my heart. I’m saddened every day that I don’t get to spend more time with you. 

Love,

Dad

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