Talia

Grief

In September, we lost Talia.

It’s taken me a long time to find the words.

I’m so lucky to have inherited some of her qualities and I see her in myself every day. She was my first taste of chosen family, she took me in at age 13 and loved me unconditionally ever since. 

Talia should have turned 25 with me this year. Born only one week apart, we should have celebrated this arbitrary milestone together. I love you Talia, and I see you all around me every day. 

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If I knew you were leaving so soon, I would have gone on one more joyride with you

Flying down the quiet streets, we should have had one more chance to feel the warm wind together

If I knew you were leaving so soon, I would have gone to the beach one more time with you

The crystal clear blue water reflects into your sapphire blue eyes and the freckles on your skin darken with each passing hour

You quietly become even more beautiful in the summer sun

If I knew you were leaving so soon, I would have ran one more round of errands with you

The mundane tasks of everyday life felt so joyous with you

No one can make me laugh and smile like you

If I knew you were leaving so soon, I would have told you how much I love you one more time

But now, I look up to the sky and I feel close to you, and I know you’re looking down at me, with those sapphire blue, kind eyes

Smiling, laughing, crying, and listening as I tell you what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, where I’m going, and why I’m grateful for you