My only sister, the kind of woman I want shaping my daughter’s life.
So when she drives you crazy one day, because she will, remember she’s mine, and my free spirit lives inside of her.
I love you bigger than words, Maddie Grace.
Always have.
Always will.
Love you,
Camila
“I was expecting to be sobbing.” I wipe the tears, but the smile on my face is larger than I expected. “I felt like she was reading the words to me.”
“Like she was in the room with us,” Nate adds, and Leo and I both nod.
“Seems like maybe I’m going to have to force myself to take some vacation time. We can take Claud.”
Nate side-hugs me. “She’ll love that.”
I pass him his letter. “Your turn.”
He holds it in both hands, palms up, and doesn’t move.
“What are you, Houdini?” Leo nudges from beside him. “Trying to open it with your eyes? Come on.”
But Nate’s nerves are palpable, his fingers slightly unsteady as he starts to break the seal.
I place my hand gently over his. “You can open it later,” I whisper.
“No.” His voice is quiet but firm.
Then he opens it the rest of the way.
Nathaniel,
As I write these letters to the family, I’m not only reflecting on the past, but on the future I’m going to miss out on. The milestones I’ll miss with my Claudina. The birthdays, weddings, and births of new Morales-Davenport babies.
It’s sad…God, it’s so painfully sad, but it’s not what scares me…there’s only one thing I’m truly afraid of, Nate, and that is, I’m leaving this world with a secret that should be shared.
I’m scared that when I leave this earth, I won’t be your support system any longer. That you’ll feel like you’ve lost your safe place.
So I need you to be brave for me.
I need you to find the courage to let the others in—your brothers, but most importantly, Maddie. Let her take care of you the way you take care of everyone else.
You don’t have to carry everything alone, no matter how much you think you should.
Burying your past won’t heal you, Nate. You know that as well as I do. But Maddie…she’ll come closer than anyone ever could. Closer than any therapist. Even closer than me.
So, here it is, my dying wish (yes, I’m throwing that out there)… finally allow yourself to lean on others. Let them show up for you.
I love you so much, Nate.
I love the way you love so deeply and unconditionally.
I love your quiet devotion. Your relentless drive.
