For Zachary James Pratt

Happy Birthday Zach, you are now in your 21st year of life. It was very hard to believe it when Cody reached this age having seen all the milestones in person. It's extra hard knowing you have started your 20's and we are still so very far apart. I hope you have a fabulous day and that all your wishes come true! How was your Christmas? Most of the family was together at Nana's, of course I say most because there is always an empty space where you should be. Nana had a very rough time. She cries for Cody and the family that has shunned him and she cries for the grandson she never sees. I do my best to make her feel better, but there will always be a sadness that lingers no matter how much love and happiness we all feel when we are together as a family. We did have some fun and some laughs though. Jeff bought lottery scratchers for everyone and for once the Boot household fell silent while we all tried to figure out how to play them. Then there was the traditional roa...

Dear Zach, I sent a Christmas card for you to your grandfather's house. Not sure where you spent the holiday but I am hoping that it was actually given to you and that you had a desire to read it and the letter I enclosed. It was sent registered mail and was signed for by your grandfather. I have attached the letter in a photo here, just in case you never received it. You might have to increase the size to see the words. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, that you were surrounded by joy and happiness, and that you could feel my love for you from so far away. All of us thought of you today as we do every day and as always tears were shed over the loss we feel at not having you in our lives. Please come back Zachary, please. With love always, Mom xox