Our children, our ambassadors

On the 6th April Michael's mom took her last breaths in her home in Nantes, France. She was joined by Michael, who flew up two days before before knowing the end was near, and Michael's dad. Michael is their only son, and our children their only grandchildren. The next day we flew into Nantes to be with Michael and his dad, and let our children see their grandmother for the last time. That night, Declan and Carmen drew pictures to put in her casket, and even Conor drew with crayon on the floor to join his siblings. Declan asked many questions, such as why we won't see her again, what she'll be doing now, and why she had to go. I fielded the questions while Michael and his dad sat alone. I have never seen my husband or his father grieve like this, and it was difficult to see them broken like this. Mhairi had been sick for so long, and each day Michael and his father would wake knowing today could be the day. We hadn't expected her to live for long after Conor's birth. He is now close to 14 months old. We had hope that she would live to see the Tadpole since she had made it so far. We had wondered if she was invincible. No matter whether you know death is imminent, it still comes as a shock. Michael's mom was such a wonderful mother and grandmother. Our children love her deeply, and many times during the day Declan and Carmen would ask what Nonna is doing, whether Nonna would want to play with them and whether Nonna would approve of whatever they were doing at the time. At the funeral, our children sat silently. Even Conor stood transfixed. Declan and Carmen took up roses, holding hands. We were so proud. We ate in a restaurant that night with Michael's family who doted on the children and on my growing baby belly. If a girl, Michael's mom asked that we name her SOPHIE. We have agreed.

We still believe the baby is a boy. We are now past 28 weeks. We have three boys names lined up.
LUC DANIEL
LOUIS DANIEL.
OLIVIER DANIEL.

We cannot decide between the three. Daniel will always be the middle name.

I had better get the children up, and my dear husband off to work.