Dear Eli,

We spent the last couple days at the Renaissance Faire. It was bittersweet as I visited the leatherworker who gave you the D&D leather game roll and, later, when I paid my respects to Queen Elizabeth, who had us as special guests at her feast last year.

Every time I saw someone in a wheelchair, it reminded me of navigating the crowds with you in your wheelchair. I remember when you got tired of being in that chair and wanted to walk around the faire to strengthen your muscles. I thought it was a miracle that you were even alive and awake enough to be there.

I remember when you were knighted and given Excalibur. Noah wore Excalibur this year.

Your sisters looked amazing, as usual. They love to cosplay princesses and create the most amazing costumes. Of course, you and I did the same.

I wish you were here. Next up is FanX. I think this is the hardest part–doing the things that you loved without you.

Love, Mom

P.S. As suspected, our health insurance denied the appeals. There is basically a clause in the handbook that says they get to determine what’s medically necessary, so it was a lost cause from the beginning, but I want them to have to work for the privilege of denying the claims. Texas Children’s has been working with us, so it’s not the end of the world.