Dear “Sam”-

I will never know you but it felt like I did for so long.

Imagined thick, dark eyelashes and big brown eyes that blinked up at me until you grew tall enough for me to blink up at you.

Sweet, soft skin that one day would be firm and tan from hours spent working and playing in the sun.

You are smart, witty, and respectful.

Oh, the lessons I had hoped to teach you.

The lessons I’d have learned from you…

sleepless nights, increased expenses, lost opportunities all balanced by pride, awe, and unconditional love.

I will never know you.

And you will always hold a place in my heart.