Dear Echo

Dear Echo,

When I first heard about you, that Aaron and Susanne had taken in a little girl they'd found via "Wednesday's Child," I was curious and excited. Aaron said you wanted to be a veterinarian when you grew up, and you loved all the cats around the house. You'd had a rough start, and I knew this wouldn't be easy for you to shake in life, but I knew you were going somewhere you'd be loved.

With you in Idaho and me in California, it was hard to really feel I could get to know you, but I always considered you my niece, even before the adoption was finalized. Putting "Aunt" before my name as I signed cards to you was nice, it reminded me that family can be formed in so many different ways.

A year ago, you were struggling so hard with your past, and it made things so difficult in your present. You went through some ups and downs, some episodes that were cries for help and cries for attention. I sent you a little note--all I could really do, because I'm so far away. I hoped it would give you something to hold on to. You pulled through that rough patch. Aaron told me you were doing better, and I was glad.

On Easter Sunday, I went through a shoebox I keep in my closet. I put cards and post cards in there, and other memorabilia as I collect it in my life. Sometimes I cull things out. I found a card you sent me at Christmas, thanking me for a small gift I'd sent. I didn't send a lot of gifts to you because I couldn't really afford it, but it was important to me that I remember you with a card at holidays and birthday. This year, I was able to send you and Tyson silly little presents, and I'm glad you enjoyed them.

I'm not going to lie--I almost threw this card away, even though the message inside was so sweet. On Monday, when I heard that you were gone, I made sure it was not in the garbage--I took this card and put it back in that box in the closet. I know I'll keep it for a long time to come.

Rest peacefully, Echo. I wish I could have been a closer aunt to you.

Love,

Aunt Meg