"I have a sister named Bella."

Several weeks ago, shortly after Family Week at preschool, Jon was outside with Gus over in a neighbor's yard.

Neighbor Kid (6 years old): "Do you like Bella's (a different neighbor kid) dogs?"

Jon: "No, not really."

Gus: "I have a sister named Bella."

Neighbor Kid: "A pretend sister?"

Jon: "No, not a pretend sister. His sister is real. Before Gus was born we had twins that were born too soon and they died. They're in Heaven."

Gus: "Bella is in Heaven."

I'm so grateful that Jon was present during this conversation. If I was there, I would have balled my eyes out, as I did when Jon shared this with me. I love that Gus is bringing up his brothers and sister in general conversation, I just wish it didn't hurt so much that they can't be here with him.

A little while after that conversation, on a Thursday, I met Jon and Gus at Gus' sports class. After class was done I went to our bereaved parent support group while Jon took Gus home for bedtime. While I was at group, Jon sent me the following text message:

"Gus and I went outside to see the dark. Gus sees the stars and says 'I want to play with them. Maybe they are Oscar, Bella and Tittle.'"

Again, I'm so grateful that Gus feels comfortable speaking of his siblings, but if I was the one with Gus, and not Jon, I would have started balling.