July 2009 Dear Maya, On our way taking you to Rowe, we passed a motel that we pointed out to you. Daddy and I would be staying there for a night or so while you were at camp.  You offered each of us a few pointers…each in secret. You told dad: make sure you get…

A family member asked that we do something with Maya’s shoes. As with all of our shoes, we keep them in the mudroom.  They’re the first thing we notice as we enter our home.  Without questioning, as soon as I had a chance, I packed up Maya’s shoes and brought the box up to the…

May 2004 After watching our wedding video on the night of our anniversary, you REALLY wanted to know where you were. You saw everyone else there that you knew but no Maya. Maya:   Where was I? Elise:    You weren’t born yet. Maya:   Was I dead? Elise:    No, you didn’t come out of me yet.  We…

January 1, 2007 Happy New Year, sweet one! We’re back from Quebec. You and Macabee are inseparable!  Yesterday, the only time you were without him was when I told you that he could not come up to the attic with us, as he might get fiberglass on him.  You and I were doing some sorting…

Baa, chess, ping pong, smiles, hugs, Pangea bed, twirling in the rain, no curfew nights, yoga laughing, veganism one by one, Gatorade, unending love. What do these words have in common?  I’m sorry, I cannot tell you.  Mathew and I were invited to a memorial service at Rowe Camp and Conference Center.  Maya attended sleep…

Three simple words that hold such good intention. But they can also put me in a state; one that causes great anxiety and sadness. Honestly, I wonder how I am even here. It is hard to believe that I am functioning; but I am.  When Maya died, I wondered, “How can I go on?”  I…

When I called Amy, Matt’s mom, to ask for permission to post the story from the seeds of Matt and Maya’s relationship, she shared the following story with me. Thank you Amy, for allowing me to share it with others. Elise and Mathew I would like you to hear of the gift Maya gave twice….

February 28, 2014. Dear Maya, On about February 13, you asked me, “what if a boy asked me out?” You were wondering about whether or not you’d have my permission to go out.  I of course said, “Yes.”  You thought that you’d be asked out for Valentine’s Day.  As it turns out, Valentine’s Day was…

March 2005. I love this moment in time Night time Time for you to feel secure You wait for me Tonight it’s my turn to be with Maya You finish off one last puzzle, and then into bed you go We turn off the lights You peek out the window to notice the moon and…

Journal October 2007 Dear Maya, It has been a time of deep and serious questions for you. Here are a few that you MUST know the answers to: How does electricity work? How do people grow? How do plants grow? How does the seed come out of the penis? (yes…this question has been revisited) What…