The essence of love and light
To my sister, my other half, my soulmate, my everything always and forever: Chelsea:
The bond between sisters is one that truly can only be understood from those who have lived it. We lived it every single day for 29 joyful years. In that time, I never once felt our bond waiver, even with so many life changes and you moving thousands of miles away to pursue your dreams. I cherish those days more than anything in the world but it will never feel like long enough. 29 years of inside jokes and childhood memories that no one else really gets but us. Your silliness, the fun we'd have and the ease and safety I felt in your presence. There is so much of our relationship that was unspoken: the unconditional love, the unwavering support, the fact that someone is always in your corner no. matter. what. I miss everything about our relationship but mostly the unspoken feeling of having a sister like you as mine. Even with physical distance, there is no one I felt closer to. As far as being a sister goes, you were the best and you always will be.
But you were more than just a sister to me, Kayla, Roger and Kyle. You were an amazing daughter, friend, teacher and human being. The way you made your people feel special, how you always hyped them up to be their best is irreplaceable. You made everyone you love truly feel it and know it. You did this at truly every opportunity you had. You had the quickest texting fingers and never left a message on read. You also had an ability to send messages to your people letting them know you noticed the little things and were thinking of them. You listened and remembered. That's a rare quality that will never be forgotten and will be immensely missed.
You showed compassion and empathy in both your career choice and the way you lived your life. You were an advocate to your students, standing up for the most vulnerable populations in a system that was not built with their needs in mind. You always wanted to make the seemingly undervalued, unloved, unwanted items and beings find their value and acceptance. You were an amazing cat mom to Lou. She was yours based on the sole fact that black cats were less likely to be adopted. You were a voice to the voiceless so many times and were so fierce in your convictions to do what’s right. Your bravery and the way you lifted so many people up was so beautiful. Never forget how much you made a difference.
I could write forever about your amazing qualities, Chelsea. I’m sure I’ll be back with another tribute soon to add the many more things I missed but more than anything else… I want you to know that you are LOVED. You are missed and you left a LEGACY that matters. I hope you feel and see it all. Every day, I am reminded of you in some way or another. Whether it be in silly moments with my students, when I see a reference to Brazil or Colombia, a Taylor Swift song, one of your friends or colleagues sharing a story, a picture or funny memory on social media, a butterfly, a favorite movie we shared, when I’m thrifting or shopping secondhand and so many more. You are part of me and you always will be. I hope you know the very best parts of me are because I have a sister like you. I love you so so much. Always and forever. Happy Birthday, Chelsea!
Giving Me A Stronger Voice
It’s wild to me how much you come up in conversations in my day to day life. Most recently it’s in conversations about Taylor Swift and how you would SO be here for it all. But, more importantly, you’ve come up in conversations about how you advocated for your students. You have inspired me so deeply to speak louder, more passionately, and with fierceness to protect and support the disabled community in my work. I know you’re proud of me, I can feel it in my bones. I also wish VERY deeply to have been able to see all of your Eras Tour outfits, because let’s be real, you definitely would have gone more than once. I love you so damn much Chels and hope you always keep coming up in conversations.
A stranger touched by your family's love ❤️
I don't believe I've ever met Chelsea. I knew Ellie briefly, a long time ago, and have been a forever Facebook friend since. I watched online as an unimaginable tragedy ravaged your family. And I've watched as you all have supported each other, honored Chelsea and tired to put your lives back together with such an important piece missing.
This has been on my heart for years but it never felt like the right time to share how much your family's journey has touched me. And even now as I write this and think about Chelsea and your family it feels weird that I know none of you and none of you know me. But I think that if it were me in your shoes I would want to know how far my love can be seen and felt.
You guys do not wait for the worst to happen to share the love you have for each other. Even just through social media your love is stronger and louder than so many other families. It is truly beautiful. You all love and grieve unapologetically, the way it should be. Everytime you share a post or a picture of you all loving each other it reminds me to love my family a little more and hold them a little closer while I still can.
Chelsea lives on through all of the love you have for her and the tributes you have in her honor, her bench, your trip to Brazil, every butterfly symbol, the angel on top of your Christmas tree, every picture, every post and every tear shed for her. Your family is beautiful and I am truly sorry for you loss. Thank you for sharing your love and heartache, never underestimate how many people's lives she has touched.
Daniel Sayas Jr
128w
Shining Bright for Eternity
Chelsea, today I reflected on all of the memories I have of you and my heart swells with both sorrow and gratitude. The joy and kindness you brought into my life and the lives of so many others is a gift we all cherish.
You had a gift, a rare and beautiful gift, of spreading happiness wherever you went. Your heart was pure and unwavering, always ready to lend an ear, offer a comforting word, or to share advice that would uplift anyone’s spirit.
I remember the countless laughs, long conversations, and you belting out Taylor Swift. You had an uncanny ability to see the good in everyone and everything, and that perspective was a light that everyone around you was drawn to.
Your acts of kindness were not grand gestures meant to impress, but sincere expressions of your loving heart. Whether it was a short message left to brighten someone’s day, a spontaneous act of generosity, or the way you always made time for those you cared about, you demonstrated that true kindness is found when we support others. You seen the true beauty in the world and in those around you.
Thank you, for the happiness you brought into my life and the kindness you spread so effortlessly. The legacy of your joyful spirit and kind heart lives on in all of us who had the privilege to know you. Rest in peace, and may your spirit continue to inspire us to live with the same kindness and joy you embodied so beautifully.
