Letter #11

Dear Tyler;

You came for Christmas!

All day long I wondered if you would change your mind.

I know it was a hard decision for you.

I was so nervous about you coming.  I really wanted you to, but I was worried that someone would say or do something that would upset you and then the day would be ruined for all of us.    

It is just as hard for us to trust you as it is for you to trust us. 

But, I hoped that Robbie was right when he told me that you had changed and become more humble than he had ever seen you.  

I hoped this meant that you would someday want to be part of the family once more.  After all that has happened and all that we have gone through, I didn’t know if we would ever have the chance to be all together again.  When I saw you walk into the family room, I felt such a huge sense of completeness. 

I sure did feel awkward though.  I didn’t know what to say to you and was glad that other people were here to fill in the gaps.  The kids were so excited that you brought presents to them, especially Bridger and Jayden because they remember you more than Brexton and Carter do.  (It was pretty nice of me to help you look like a caring uncle, if I do say so myself).  When you were holding Brintley, it reminded me of how you used to be so great with Bridger when he was a baby. 

Thank you for being nice and easy going while you were here. 

You didn’t really say thanks or anything, but I think you were happy to get all of the clothes and food that I got for you.

When we took the family “selfie” and I had to lean in and put my arm on your shoulder, I could not believe that I was that close to you. 

I wish you could have stayed longer. 

I will never forget giving you a hug goodbye, telling you that I love you, and hearing you say “I love you, too.”  I was not expecting that, but it was a pretty good Christmas gift.    I cried after you left.  Then, Jereme gave me a big hug, too.  Double Christmas presents from my boys!

It was a good day. 

Thank you so much for coming.

I look forward to the next time that we can get together with you. 

I hope you do too.

Love,

Mom