Missing Granty

I think Damon and I initially underestimated the effect of Grant's loss upon Alexa; she definitely misses her baby brother.  It's very rough to know that her first real experience with death and introduction to the topic had to involve her little brother.  Although she evokes some tears, it makes me happy to realize just how much Alexa loved Granty and cherished her big sister role.  The mentions of him come at random times - - when we were driving to gymnastics class, she looked at the empty seat next to her and said that she missed Granty riding in the car next to her.  Yesterday was a real tear-jerker when I told Alexa about her cousin Luke's new baby brother - she asked if Luke would share his baby brother with her since Granty had died.  Talk about tears...oye!

As with all of us, I expect time will be a huge component of helping her deal with Granty's death.  She's been back in the normal routine of school since Monday, and she's had an added bonus this week of two weekday gymnastics classes (she loves going to the gym more than anything), making up for all of the classes she missed over the past few weeks.  Tonight we also began playing with 'The Elf on the Shelf' that my dear friend Linda sent to her.  She decided to name her elf Grant (aww...I'll just ignore that the elf is wearing a skirt), and begged the elf not to talk to Santa tonight because she had bitten her friend at school today.  I hope the many activities that we have planned for the coming weeks, Ignite Hope walk, Zoo Lights, trip to StL, etc..., will help with her healing process.  She's a tough little kid, and I know this little girl will be able to overcome anything.  She is a mini-me, after all :)


Always ready to help Mommy bathe Granty....look at both their smiles :)