I saw this quote in the final episode of Alone last night:
"What is to give light must endure burning.” — Viktor Frankl
Cem and I watch Alone every summer now. You introduced us to it. Somehow, it feels fitting that we watched the season finale last night and that this was the quote they shared at the beginning and it stuck with me.
You were someone who gave light.
You didn't just light up a room because you were happy and joyful, although you absolutely did. You had a deeper kind of light, too. You were profound and thoughtful. You got to know people beyond the surface. You saw them, you listened to them, and you cared deeply about what happened to them.
You spent your life helping people, even when there wasn't much reward for doing so. You worked in community service because you genuinely wanted to make a difference. You gave your time and your heart because people mattered to you.
And I think that's why this quote has stayed with me.
Today, I celebrate your life by recognizing the light in who you were, the light you gave, and the way you made the lives of the people around you brighter simply by being in them.
You left some of that light in every person you truly saw, every person you helped, and every person who felt understood because you took the time to know them.
And now, even though you're gone, I think that's the part of you that remains.
The light.
And there was so much of it.
You've been extra on my mind these last few weeks. I keep seeing your laugh when kinzi laughs. I think it started to annoy her, lol, bc I teared up every time she laughed. I had to finally tell her why! It's a good thing, I suppose. Meet a guy named Sterling yesterday at am outreach event. Some of his story reminds me so much of yours. Hoping I can help him in some little way in your honor. Anyway, just thought I'd pop by here to spend some time with you. Love you and miss you so much!
It's a windy but sunny day today. You would have enjoyed it. The wind chimes are tinking. It feels like you are here, chatting away. Jake cut his hair! He always looks so handsome but now that he's about a million feet tall, we're getting a glimpse of the man he is becoming. He would be towering over you! Ella is beautiful as always and every time I look at her or hear her giggle, it reminds me of you. So thankful to have pieces of you still with us. Can you believe that she only has 2 years of school left and next year Jakers will be in high school?!?
Had a wonderful Easter dinner with everyone Sunday. Just missed you. God, how I wish you weren't gone.
Went to Jamaica this last year. Thought about you a lot while we were there, remembering how you went once. As we explored I caught glimpses of things I know you would have loved. It makes me happy to remember you in those moments.
Love you, kiddo.
50 years ago today you came into my life. Wish you were still here. I wonder what you would do today to celebrate half a century. Wish I could do it with you.
I know whatever you're doing today, it's amazing. One day we'll do it together.
Love you and miss you, but rejoicing in a heavenly birthday for you.
Celebrating what would have been your beautiful 50th today—your light still shines in all the places you touched.
I’d give anything to wish you a happy birthday in person today. Missing you more than words can hold—remembering your smile, your laugh, your spirit… the pieces of you that still carry me through. I know you are with me, playing with my hair. :)
As I was driving the other night, off in the distance was a city, lit up brightly. It reminded me of a road trip our family took when we were about 6 and 4 to visit Grandma Rosie and Grandpa Mac in Tucson one Christmas. I remember sitting you on my lap in the back seat of what my memory recalls as a giant car, with giant windows that just made it so easy to see those sparkling lights. And I remember "teaching" you what those lights were. It's my very first memory of being your sister. I wasn't always the best big sister, but I sure did love being yours. You made me a sister. But more than that, you made me laugh, you made me proud, and you made me better. I miss you.
Wide Mouth Frog
