Laine Kissing Mia

Baby Laine gently kissing Mia

When at the park, sometimes a mom or dad would ask me about siblings.  I would never know how to respond, always pausing as I tried to determine who the questioner was, and whether they really wanted to know.  The vast majority of the time, I would respond that we have a son and a daughter, and omit Mia.  Then that night I would feel a tremendous weight, and guilt.  I did not want to dishonor Mia, but I did not know how to respond in a way that made any sense in the situation.  But if Laine was with me, I would be saved:   Laine would say, in one breath “I have a brother who is 11 (or 12 or whatever age Mathew was at the time), and a sister Mia who died and is in heaven.  I don’t have any younger brothers or sisters… because my mom does not like wiping baby’s butts”.  They would be speechless.  Should they respond to the point about the late sister, or the mom not liking baby poop, or what?!  Most would nod, and back away slowing saying “it was very nice meeting you.”.  Some would laugh at the wiping of butts, and a few would ask about Mia’s death.  Laine never dishonored her sister.  She loved Mia, and is connected to Mia.