To the two who have left us to dance among the stars,

I’ve linked a piece of you around my neck in place of half my heart, but half my heart became the whole leaving me with a hollow chest and 2 pendants. I’ve lost the two most important people in my life in the matter of months leaving me in pieces and no one ever tells you that even when you come to speak of people you care so much about in past tense, you forever talk about grief in its present moments. No one ever prepares you for the moment when all the numbing shock fades away and you are left with the emotional damage that shakes you to core.

I understand it was time you both found a home in a different galaxy, but the heartache remains the same. I never knew what missing someone truly meant until I had no one to go to when I needed answers. I did not know what true grievance felt like until I could no longer share my accomplishments because it doesn’t feel the same when those people are not your foundation.

However even though the grievance never fades, I find myself stepping into the rhythmic steps of the ones who walked before me. I see both of you in the songs that I sing, and I carry you both in the way that I speak, for I am your new beginning in a different vessel. A matriarch has fallen only to leave her spirit in the children she’s left behind. As I walk in your shoes, even though they don’t quite fit the same; A little wide, bold and no shame, but I step into them still and continue the teachings you’ve taught me. I tell your stories to those who will listen and when I go out I dress to perfection to honor you. I adopt your boldness and come with confidence because even though a Queen has been laid to rest, we are the next in line to represent the throne. For those who come after us will someday, too, have to continue our legacy.

A Patriarch has fallen only to leave his wisdom in the heirs he’s left behind. I walk in these shoes as well, but they don’t quite fit the same. Too large and a little heavy but I step into them still as I continue the love you always showed me. I adopt your love language of giving and make sure those who surround me know that in my quiet, that means they are safe and I am comfortable the way you always did for me. I adopt your work ethic, for I do not know what it means to work half-assed. I give it my all or I give nothing at all for that is what you showed me. I continue to learn and research and analyze just like you taught me because even though a King has been laid to sleep, his descendants are next in line to continue his work. For those who come after us will have to continue the research.

I keep you guys close by speaking your truth and I keep you both safe by saying your names. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do even beyond your physical selves. For that is the true legacy of a loved one.

Love Deeply,

Your Youngest Daughter