We'll miss you Panda

I fluff and straighten his pillow while he brushes his teeth.
He climbs into bed, automatically curling up his legs and grabbing his World Wildlife Fund adopted red panda stuffie.
I pull his blue and green striped comforter over his shoulders and tuck it under his chin, then lie down beside him.
We face each other.

How are you doing, I ask him.
Ok.
Are you happy that Panda found a new home today.
Yah, he says with a smile. His eyes are closed and he is hugging his red panda tightly.
Yah, I say, me too.

I have photos to remember her by, he says, matter of factly.
That's true, you do. You have lots of photos.
He smiles.
Can you take one of the photos on the computer and blow it up for me like a poster so I can see her when I go to sleep every night, he asks.
Sure, I can do that.
He smiles again. His eyes are still closed and can't see my tears.

I love you.
I love you, too.

Somedays, like today, I truly believe there is nothing more important I do than give people photos that keep their memories alive. And here she is, still a sweetie, just a few months old: