Messages to Daisy in days of turmoil

“Dear Daisy, I feel so sad today. I woke up at 2am and I was crying before I was even fully awake. I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. I tried to cry quietly; but Dad could feel the sobs I was trying to swallow back down and he woke up too. He held me in his arms while I cried.

“I feel so sad. But then the house starts to stir; the children wake and then the flurry of activity that is the day begins. Breakfast needs made; washing needs hung out; children need dressed; teeth need brushed; attention needs to be given. The distractions begin.

“I’d promised we’d play with plasticine today; the box has already been looked out by Lizzie and is waiting on the chair beside me. I bury my sadness. I am needed at home. I wipe away my tears and prepare myself to face the day.

“I miss you, Daisy. You were only here for a day; but you were here for nine months for me. You were real to me for the nine months before you arrived. Now you’re gone. I feel empty, literally.”