Dear Lucas,

It was a joy and great sense of internal happiness when I learnt of your conception. Grandma Zulie and I were so happy to hear the news. This was news that we waited to hear for over six years! We were over-joyed. However, given our usual modest and conservative nature, we did not shout and create excitement on the mountain top, but that excitement was bubbling inside.

We were particularly happy because we know how much Grandpa A and Grandma L were longing for a grandchild. Oh boy, were they happy to hear. You would have been their first grandchild. The news of your conception was the best thing that could happen to both sets of
grandparents. Your mom and dad wanted to relocate to a more upscale apartment to accommodate you. You were special to us because you would have been the only grandchild that would grace our home in
infancy. We managed to convince your parents to stay by us so that you could be close to us. Your dad graciously agreed. Hence, Grandma Z, your parents, and I decided on the big picture in terms of the modification to the house. You were going to be in the “Front Front Room” and so we decided to have it air-conditioned. Grandma Z put her project management skills to work by deciding the work breakdown structure, the logical sequencing of the activities and monitored their execution
like a hawk. She wanted everything to be in place before September and, as a result, great progress was made. We were almost ready for you.

We learnt later that similar plans were being made by Grandpa A and Grandma L for your arrival in their home. You were going to be in Auntie G’s old room and, even though that would have been a year from now, plans were put in place early. You were loved. Everyone wanted the opportunity to buy something for you. That includes the Trinidad family, your aunties, uncles, and family friends. We could not convince Great Auntie Zo not to buy the set of your feeding bottles and accessories. You were loved. You were so important to your family and their friends that everyone wanted to be a part of your life. The last set of purchases were made by Auntie G. She taught about everything and made sure she bought the best.

You must know that your gestation gave purpose to our lives, especially for Grandma Z and I, since we are retired. We were going to take you to the park and push you in a stroller. All our walking friends would come to know you and take an interest in your development. I was going to
give you “joie horsie”, “mountain peak”, and start teaching you advanced things from very early as I did not have that opportunity with your cousins.

You had very loving and caring parents. Your father would make sure that you are technology savvy from early and that you have the best. Your mother would ensure that you love nature and animals, especially cats. She would teach you kindness and to give away what you do not have! Your mother would make sure that have variable experiences. You would have a calm and unflustered disposition like your father. You would learn to handle difficult situations with a calm and steady hand. Your Grandpa A would make sure you have good moral values to guide you throughout life. You would have been a blessing to humanity.

But the Good Lord, in his greater wisdom, had a different plan. Your mother is a very observant woman and pays attention to every detail regarding your development. On Friday, August 26th, your mom told us that she did not feel much movement from early in the morning. She subsequently did her own test and later that evening the news of your
departure was confirmed. You would never understand the grief and sorrow that your departure has caused the family. I feel your loss to my very bone. I was remined that your mother said a few days earlier that she was looking forward to the thrill of holding you in her hands in four weeks. I cannot help breaking down and crying every time I am alone and see a picture of your father holding you in his arms. It pains to my heart and is a bitter pill to swallow. A void has been created in our family. This loss is deep and painful. Words cannot express our pain. We had so many expectations, so much hope, so many plans, so many dreams. I started and stopped writing this letter so many times as I am overcome with grief.

At times we are tempted to ask, “Why us?” Could this cup not have passed from our family. Have we done anything wrong unknowingly? But we are reminded that these are some of the painful things that happen to average human beings every day. We only fully understand it when we experience it ourselves.

However, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” As Christians, we live in the hope that there is an existence beyond this mortal life. We are consoled by our faith that we will get to meet you some day.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His Face shine upon you and give you peace wherever you are.

Love you forever.

Grandpa Regie