Loss

Alec John Peterson

May 16, 1986 - March 14, 2009

My dear little brother, I love you to tears.

I read once that there is a reason that grief comes in waves, because our bodies and minds don't have the capacity to absorb it all at once. I find my days and nights now intermixed with periods of utter sadness, and periods where life returns to normal as I continue feed and care for Amelia. I am so thankful for her being here with me now, with her innocence and her continued smiles and laughter. But I am deeply sorrowful that she will never get a chance to meet her uncle, who already loved her so much. Each night in the dim nite-lite lit glow of our bedroom, I see Alec's face reflected in Amelia's, and I know he is watching over her, and I hold her even tighter to be closer to him.

The messages of love and support that have been arriving from friends here in Portugal and working their way accross the world via e-mail or phone from those of you in the US have really meant a lot to me. Knowing I have your thoughts with me makes each day a little easier. I will carry the memories of Alec's smile, laughter, and love with me forever.