“I don’t know the answer to that, Daisy,” I admitted honestly.

“I pray every single night that he found kind people to help him.

I know for certain that he loved us with all his heart.

And I hope that, wherever he is right now, he knows we’re honoring his memory by living our lives with joy.”

Daisy leaned her head affectionately against my side.

“If he ever came walking back up our driveway one day, would you leave with him?”

I thought of Brandon’s final letter, of the wonderful man he had been, and of the protective choices that had caused us so much pain even though he meant well.