I saw an article where a woman posted a picture of her front door in honor of her son, who isn’t there to be in the back-to-school picture anymore. Like me, she has two other children and like me, she feels a mix of joy and sadness at this milestone.
I’m happy for my newly minted high schooler and second grader. The start of a new school year is always exciting. But back to school just isn’t the same without Charlie. There should be a trio of happy faces, dressed up and new backpacks in hand. I love my two, but on days like today I feel the loss of the one in the middle very keenly.
It’s the second back to school without him, and the grief is as fresh as it was the first time. I miss him so.
He should be in this picture.
Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud 