Thanksgiving, a day of giving thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon us every day.  A day to remember a loved one or two that graced our table and filled our hearts with memories; memories we carry with us and pull out especially this time of the year.

This is a story about a little boy, a baby boy with the bluest of eyes and a smile that could melt an ice cube on a summer’s day. A curious little baby who held his head up high, cooed like babies coo, cried when he was hungry and welcomed anyone who wanted to hold him close in their gentle arms.

Skyler James was born on July 1, 2016. He was a healthy baby, a beautiful baby, a baby loved by all.  On July 29, 2016,  Skyler took a beautiful journey to heaven and became one of God’s littlest angels.

This is where my story ends and where it really begins.  As I was thinking about Skyler’s story, a feeling came over me.  This feeling stayed with me most of the day.  Then, like a light bulb going on, I knew exactly what I had to do.  Instead of a long story with a lot of descriptive words, I decided to write a letter to Skyler.  What happened next took me by surprise. In fact, as I started writing my letter, I felt a little tug in my heart and at that very moment, I knew a little angel in heaven had a hand in guiding me through my story.

My letter to Skyler

November 24, 2016

Dear Skyler,

I miss you very much!  On the day you went to heaven, I was taking care of Aunt Laurie and Uncle Lew’s dog, Angel. When your Pop-pop called me he was crying so hard that I could not understand what he was saying. Then, Pop-pop stopped crying and told me the sad news.  I did not want to believe it. I wanted you to be smiling and looking in your mother’s eyes. I wanted you to be looking at your big brother, Preston, cooing and smiling, as he said, “Good morning, Skyler. It’s me your big brother. I love you!” But it was not to happen. I cried because I was so far away. I cried because there was so much I wanted to share with you and stories I wanted to tell you. But most of all, I cried for all the experiences you would miss; the holidays, dressing up for trick or treating, watching the Thanksgiving parade then eating a big feast, meeting Santa for the first time, playing with trucks and cars, swimming in Pop-pop’s pool, heading off to school, playing sports, friends, growing up, college, your first girlfriend , getting married and having children. Skyler, you are missed. I think of you every day!

Today is Thanksgiving and you are not with us. As I think of everything and everyone, that I am grateful for, I especially think of you.  I pray every day that you are happy in heaven. I would love to know what you do, who you meet, and if you hear our voices when we talk about you. Well, dear Skyler, I will write soon. Always remember how much I love you.

Happy Thanksgiving, Skyler

Love,

Your great grandmother ( Gi Gi)

Skyler’s Letter

Dear Gi Gi,

Heaven is a beautiful place.  There are angels, flowers, green grass and lots of dogs and cats.  I forgot to mention the tall trees and mountains. I play with other babies and children who have made their journey to heaven.  I met Jesus on the first day. He told me he loved me.  I told him about my family. He told me to tell you that He loves you more than you could ever imagine. Please tell my mommy that I can hear her voice when she says my name. I like when she talks about me. It makes me sad when she cries.   Tell Preston, I hear his voice and I am always with him. Tell him that I sit next to him at school, and run with him when he races with Pluto. I am there when he rides Snickers. I walked with him when he dressed like a turtle for trick or treating. Sometimes I can hear him laughing. Tell Uncle Zach not to be sad.  I sit by him when he is watching football with Pop-pop. I will be with all of you on Thanksgiving. You might not see me, but I will be there smelling the great food, and giving everyone a kiss on their cheek.  I know that my time on earth was short but, it was wonderful. Sometimes I take a walk with a lady who says she is my Nannie. I have so much to tell everyone.  Tell my mommy to write a letter to me, and keep it in a special place One more thing, Gi, Gi, tell Mommy that I am okay.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Skyler

My heartfelt thoughts…..

I believe in angels and heaven.  I know that someday, we will all make our journey to a special place, where we will meet up with loved ones and oh my, what a great reunion that will be. Our precious little Skyler may not be with us here on earth but, he surely is with us in spirit.  He fills our hearts with beautiful memories of his twenty-nine days and for that I am grateful!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Cynthia DeLuca ( Gi,Gi)