I stared at the phone, blinded by tears, not wanting to believe. I had talked to her! I did.

Letters.

By now, I had them all in my hands and mind as I looked at the dates.

January.

The end of the letters.

Letters written for me!

The answering machine was blinking, telling me it had something important to tell. Things I’d saved.

You know how you do. Important events, people’s voice. You have to get them down.

I pushed the button.

-beep- “Hello, I just…”

No.

I pushed the next button.

-beep- “Hello Hellen. This is…”

I started crying again. Why do I do this? I can’t get it out of my mind!

My thoughts, goals, and dreams were all lost in an instant and the wonderful letters stopped!

-beep- “Hellen. This is your Dad, letting you know that grandma died. Give me a call when you wake up.”