I came home from work today to find that Amelie had jumped ship and headed over to St Leonards to spend some quality time with my parents. She was telling us yesterday that the last time she was there, Grandma gave her a ham sandwich surrounded by sweets, so I'm not surprised she wanted to go back.

But in place of my daughter, I found a handwritten note she'd left behind for me on the table. It wasn't handwritten by her, obviously, but she'd personally dictated it to Lisa, who conveniently has the handwriting of a small child. So it couldn't have been more authentic. Amelie was responsible for the artwork, the signature and the sentiment. Which included five and a half kisses and a love heart. So here it is...


I think the butterfly in the heart represents the atrial flutter familiar to anyone who's tried to drag her up the hill from nursery without suffering a nervous breakdown. But it's a touching message nonetheless. And I miss her already.