On the 1st anniversary of Lillian's death, Vera left school early to visit the cemetery.
She brought her report card, a ceramic mug she'd made herself, and a family tree.
Dad.
Me.
Lillian.
Beside Lillian's name, she'd drawn a tiny star.
She crouched in front of the grave and talked for a long time.
Finally, she turned to me. "Mom, can I put both of you on my family tree as my moms?"
"Of course."
"I miss Mom Lillian a lot. Does that make you sad?"
I said, "A little."
She froze.
I reached out and smoothed her hair. "Not because you miss her. It just reminds me of a time when I wasn't very happy. But loving her doesn't make you love me any less."
On the drive back, Conrad suddenly said, "So it really was that simple."
"What was?"
"She can have 2 moms. And you can still love her
