This morning before I left for work, I checked my email and had one from Mikey’s dad updating me on various things, including some bits of family news. In between “Samantha had her baby yesterday” and “here’s Dave’s new email address” was the following: I am sure you are in touch with Janet all of the time so I won’t repeat any of her news except to say that she was very upset last night when ___ died. (I deleted the name for the benefit of those who have not seen this episode)  …it’s like there was a death in our very own family. It’s comforting to know that others are mourning with me :)  I got a little ache in my heart today when I straightened our selection of LOST puzzles.

Cana has an email address now, at the ripe old age of seven, and we traded addresses at my grandma’s last Sunday. A few days ago I emailed her some photos from the weekend, and got the following reply:

I got your e. mail but i need mikey,s i forgot it

No name signing, nothing. Just that one line. I came to terms with the fact that my dear baby cousin loves Mikey more than she loves me long ago – and now it looks like Eden is headed down the same path… on Sunday she was hardly detached from his sweater sleeve at all. But whatever dude, rejection stings, even if I know it’s coming.

Today Mikey got this email from Cana.

Emily gave me your email address because i forgot it at ma ruth’s. and i love you.
Cana

Ouch.