"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Your son is growing up to be really smart and is becoming a bit too playful. He eats a lot as well. I wish you were here with us to laugh at him whenever he tries to eat Dad’s glasses or nose. I wish you’d have been able to be the mom you always wanted to be, not just to Gene, but to us as well.
You were the missing piece to our puzzle, but then you suddenly got lost, and now the picture will never be perfect. I wish I got to know you better.
We miss and love you, Tita, no matter where you are, or what could have been.
Don’t worry about Gene, I’ll take care of him, and so will they. We’ll never forget to remind him of how much you love him despite the fact that you never got to hold him in your arms. Nothing can replace the warmth of a mother’s love, but we promise to give it our best shot.
Take care out there.