Sagan

I was 20, lost, and searching for something I couldn’t name when you came into my life. You were still growing, still wild-eyed and curious, but somehow, you already knew how to love me through everything I didn’t yet understand about myself. Two complete and total assholes ready to take on the challenge of growing with each other.

I found you when I was still finding myself. And somehow, you made me whole before I ever knew what that meant.

You drove me a little crazy in the best way. Clever, mischievous, always a step ahead. You loved car rides, sneaky treats, and anything that gave you just enough freedom to stir up some harmless trouble, like hiding in the bushes when you didn’t get your way.

When it was time, you left the same way you lived: on your terms, but surrounded by love. Your dad and I were right there with you. You took your last breath in your favorite place… between the kitchen and sunroom at Grandma’s house, as the sun poured in and the world held still for you.

I’ll never be able to explain what you meant to me. But I’ll spend the rest of my life talking about our relationship.

You made my 20s softer. Safer. Sweeter. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.

You were my soul dog. My anchor. My everything.

And even now, you’re still with me… in the quiet, in the sun, in the parts of me you helped grow.