"I miss Mama," says Bertil as Dad reads a story in bed at night. Bertil has to swallow; there's a lump in his throat that won't go away. When a parent has to go to the hospital, so much changes at home. And when even the loving care, comfort, and attention from other family members can't replace the absent person, a child has to find their own, more effective ways to ease their grief and pain of loss. But how does that work? Mama has to go to the hospital again and again, and Bertil misses her so much. Grandma comes to visit, and Dad is now always home on time, but a mama is a mama, and he misses her scent, her good mood, and her kisses. What can he do? Bertil discovers that there are many things that remind him of Mama and bring him comfort. In the end, Bertil has a whole suitcase full of them.