BC and i just made valentines for just about everyone i could think of. her grandparents, her cousins, her uncles and aunts. i thought we were done. i said, “honey, i think we hit everybody.”

“no, mama. can we make valentines for your grandma and grandpa?”

my grandparents have been gone for many years. i looked at her sadly, trying once again, as usual, not to cry. but before i could say anything, she saw my face.

“i guess we can't, can we, mama.”

“no, sweetie, we can't. but what a lovely idea.”