Darling Girl,

Ten years ago, I held you in my arms as you took your last breath. What an agony it was to lose you, to say farewell, to try and pick up the pieces of my broken heart and move forward without you.  As Mother Mary had her own heart pierced at the death of Jesus, so, too, was my own heart pierced at your death. 

I rest in the knowledge that you are secure with Jesus, that you are interceding for your brothers, sisters, and parents, that one day we will be reunited for Eternity - and oh, what a reunion that will be. 

G, when I sit in the quiet and reflect, I can still feel the weight of you in my arms and recollect the weightlessness of my arms after you died. Those of two of my most vivid memories...holding you safe and secure and then your absence and the ache of empty arms, along with a shattered heart. 

You are gone, darling baby, but never forgotten. You live on in our hearts, memories, and in the ways you continue to impact our lives and loves.

As we mark ten years since your death day, I feel a profound sense of gratitude in being a mother; being your mother; being a mother to Ean, Erin, Kelly, Kate, Loren, Claire, Tess, Aidan, Jack, Joseph, Fiona, Sara, and Henry. I am so imperfect in that role but trust and know God and Our Blessed Mother help to fill in my many gaps and repair my countless mistakes. 

Your life and death taught me much, Gianna, and I pray to learn the lessons well. 

Forever yours, 

Mom

Pray for us!