Books

Just the other day, I walked past our front room, and caught a glimpse of Ledger laying with his face on a book...I took a few steps closer and realized Ledger had pulled a few books off our bookshelf and was reading one he had never seen before. He was laying on a book that contained Preslee's life sketch along with pictures of her. Intrigued, I watched him for a few minutes as he studied different pages and then repeatedly laid his face on different pictures...I realized he was 'hugging' Preslee. I was a bit taken back, because most of the pictures he had never seen. After a few moments, I picked him up, placed him on my lap, and we read the book together. I realized it was the first time he had seen pictures of Preslee with Pog, and Pres sitting in the same high chair he uses. I could see the wheels spinning inside his little head. He even gave a few pictures a big slobbery kiss. Once again, I was reminded that he knows his sister. 

As Ledger was touching the pictures of his older sister, hugging them, and even kissing them, I realized I've made a mistake. Every picture of Preslee in our house is high up, far out of his reach. I purposely placed them there after he began walking, in fear he would ruin them. But as I watched him hold an actual item in his hands, and in a way 'interact' by hugging and kissing pictures of his sister, I realized it was time to place a few items down where he can reach them. After moving some, I'm often amazed how often he grabs, jabbers, loves, and holds them.

 (This picture is taken down at least once everyday)

 I still receive e-mails asking about more gift ideas when someone loses a loved one. While I was reading the book with Ledger, I realized a picture book is a wonderful gift. My Aunt and her Mother-in-law gave us a year subscription to Heritage Makers to make a book after Preslee passed away. We gave a copy to each of our parents. Click here to view it. It's usually the first thing Ledger grabs at my mom's house and they read it together. Until lately, I've kept mine out of reach on display. But it's time to lower it so little brother can look at it anytime.

I was also given these three books, which I've started rotating for him, and often take one to church. 

The reason I love this one, is because it's not just a book about her, but she's included with all the family members.

Each time I see Ledger holding one, I realize the importance of having tangible items to teach him about his sister. We're grateful to all who gave them to us.