I know you wanted me to stay.
You wanted more time. More conversations. More years together. You wanted the life we were supposed to have.
I wanted that, too.
And I know you’re living a life you never would have chosen.
I know there are days you’re scared. Days you wish you could hear my voice. Days you would give anything to hold me again.
I wish you could hear me telling you how much I love you.
That hasn’t changed. It never will.
When you’re sad or afraid, sit for a minute. Take a breath. Picture me there with you, my arms around you, holding you close.
Stay there as long as you need.
You can cry. You can tell me about your day. You can tell me how much you wish it had all been different.
I wish we’d had more time, too.
There was so much more we wanted to do. So much we thought we still had ahead of us.
I know how hard it is to keep going without me.
And I know you still worry about me.
So let me tell you this:
I’m okay.
I’m at peace. I’m surrounded by love.
And I’m still loving you.
When you have a good day, I’m happy for you. When you laugh, I love hearing it. When you find a reason to look forward to tomorrow, I want that for you.
I know you haven’t forgotten me.
I know you love me.
I felt it when we were together, and I feel it now.
And when you have a hard day, when you cry and wish you could have me back, I wish I could hold you so you’d know how close I still am.
You’re going to be okay.
I know it’s hard to believe that sometimes. But there is still love here for you. There are still people who will care for you, sit beside you, and help you through the hard days.
Let them love you, too.
And when you need me, slow down for a minute.
Close your eyes. Picture my arms around you, holding you close.
Remember how it felt to be together.
I wish we could have that again, too.
But until you can hold me again, please remember this:
You were so loved when I was there with you.
You are just as loved right now.
And you will be loved by me for the rest of your life.
If these words connected with you, you’ll find many more like them in What Remains. It’s a collection of the writings I’ve shared over the years, bringing together reflections on grief, love, loss, and the connections that continue long after someone is gone.
I hope it brings you comfort, understanding, and the reminder that you’re not alone.
If you’d like to read more, you can find the book here
Available now on Amazon
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