We didn’t see your good friend Eddy when we arrived today. When you realized, it made such a difference in your mood. You were happily walking into school. We went through the lobby, but when we reached the elevators you stopped and turned back. You looked at me and asked if he was coming. I told you he wasn’t there, maybe he hadn’t arrived yet. You came along with me but suddenly didn’t say much else. You still got ready for breakfast and sat down to eat fine, but there was no talking or smiling. You’d see other people pass in the hallway and point with a hopeful look in your eyes. When he finally did arrive you suddenly lit up. You were both all smiles and giggles. You both immediately started playing at some of your inside jokes. It’s good to have such a great friend but I hate to see how sullen you were without him.

I showered you tonight. Grandpa hadn’t prepared the stuff yet sonI started to. He came to take over but you out up a fight as you often do. But there was an urgency in your voice and you kept calling for me or saying baby when we asked if you want to playbin the water. I know you usually cry less, or not at all with me, so something about grandpa’s habits must not be comfortable to you. Part of me wants to help you every night, but I also am usually very tired or need to finish a little work. I hope you can stay positive and know that all your family cares for you and loves you. We trust grandpa only with things we think he can handle. At the same time, I admire your ability to speak up about your preferences and ask for help.