James and I talked about what we wanted to do for Matthew's birthday. Of course, we released the balloons at the cemetery a few weeks ago, but we also want to do something more permanent like a "gift" in honor of his birthday every year. We discussed a few ideas, but for this year, we decided on purchasing a brick paver at the Houston Zoo in his memory. We thought this would be a good one for his first birthday because we love the zoo so much and we know it would have been a place Matthew would have loved to. And we also liked the idea that our donation goes to such a worthwhile and amazing place that brings so much joy to so many kids, including Andrew. It was perfect.
And this morning, Andrew and I were scheduled to meet the Strattons at the zoo, so we arrived a little early to find the paver since it had recently been installed. And coincidentally (or not), it's Matthew's 13th month birthday today too.
I figured I would be emotional, but didn't realize how much seeing the paver would move it like it did. And Andrew too. He kept looking at it and kept wanting to stand next to it. He even started to cry a little, which of course, led to my breaking down. I couldn't love my two boys more.
Happy birthday again, Matthew. We hope you like your paver. And we will visit it and think of you every time we go to the zoo now.
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