Life Without Mother

Dear Mom,

There has arisen a new development in the lives of our family:
Daddy likes someone. And she likes him.
It’s so exciting to think of him liking someone (as well as watch him in this state of interest towards another woman). She was over at our house and while we played card and board games they sat next to each other–I think that was partially unintended–and I wondered if the laughter and constant glances next to him were how he was with you when you both were dating and he brought you home to play games with his family. It was this school-boyishness that I had never seen in Dad before. And it was cute! And we talked about it last night. For at least two hours. Our main concern is if this is what God wants. Did it happen too fast? And yet the pieces just fell into place, all signs pointing to “Yes! This will work!”
I’m all for it, as long as it’s what God wants. Because if not, and the wrong decision is made, there will be much heartbreak on both sides and both sides have been through enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.
What I love most is that she’s not you, but she was your best friend and will understand our grief even as the years pass. I feel like she’ll be able to be there as herself (someone whose love and esteem I would cherish as much as your own) as well as be able to stand in for you on occasions and say “Your mom would be so proud” with much greater weight than someone who didn’t know you as well.
I’m not saying she’d replace you, not that she ever could or would try. But she’ll make Daddy happy again because he’ll have someone to take care of and love and talk to even after all of us kids are out of the house.
It’s so wonderfully exciting!

Your daughter,
Hannah