When we talk about those we have lost it doesn’t have to mean someone has died physically, rather someone you have lost connection with or someone that decided to leave you mentally.
I chose this topic because this relationship that I no longer have with my mother has impacted me greatly in my life,
This was not my decision by any means but people…read more
Danielle,
Such a beautiful thing to be vulnerable! I can relate on so many levels the grief a mother can bring. I also had a mother who was on hard drugs, cared more about herself than her own innocent child. It is such a loss for the one who cannot fulfill the duty placed onto their path. The strength this can give us, seeing the light is the…read more
Wow. What a great letter. Sorry you had it rough like that. What an unbelievable strength you have. To stay true to yourself and not let your guard down. I can’t imagine the courage it required to say goodbye like that. You seem like a really strong girl Danielle
*Disclaimer- There is reference to suicidal ideation- if you’re suffering please seek out help or call the suicide prevention hotline emergency number, 988.
Dear Angus,
I’m sorry this letter couldn’t make it to you. I know for certain that it does not find you well. If this letter could reach Heaven- I’d say “Sorry dude- I’ve never watched Eup…read more
Aww Victoria, you are such a compassionate person. I love this line, “, I try to counsel myself by saying this is all temporary. As in, “this too shall pass” I tell myself the same. It really helps me move forward. <3 lauren
I wanted to write an introduction to this piece because this is not about one, it’s about a few of my family members that have passed.
To the lost and the lonely:
When I think of you I think of all of the obstacles that you’ve overcome in Your short life and the inspiration and sadness you left behind. Every one of you have inspired me whether it…read more
Today is the 10-year anniversary of which you PHYSICALLY passed.
Whenever I talk about you it’s ALWAYS in the PRESENT TENSE because I KNOW that you are ALWAYS guiding me down the hill , “looking down” on me, BUT that is the EXACT OPPOSITE. You look UP to me because of the thing that I fear people look down on me for.…read more
Dear Daddy,
My earliest memory of you was getting a goodbye kiss in the morning before you would go off to work. I would have my head on the pillow and you leaned down, gave me a kiss on the cheek and say I will see you tonight. I was the oldest of 3 girls so I had some special alone time with you. For example, when I was about 8 years old…read more
It’s been nearly 25 years since I last saw you, and what I remember most about you is how you made me feel. Whether at dinner on the holidays, playing cards, or sitting in your living room telling stories, you lived with a joy and zest for life that was so effortless, natural, and contagious.
The world is getting smaller Lauren. Not only have we worked for the same companies but I was born and grew up in the Bronx for a short time in my life. Your grandfather may have known my great grandfather and possibly my grandparents. Beautifully written letter to your grandfather, makes me think of my grandparents myself. You’re surely making…read more
“Together again.. Mmmmmuuaaahhh, one more time.. mmmuuaaahhh” Drawn back in time to early mornings, jumping in mommy and daddy’s bed, my father’s deep, cheerful yet monotone chant, to give me kisses while singing rings loud in my head in the middle of this present spring time night. May 3rd 2023, My daddy, pops, children’s grandpa, took his last…read more
Beautiful, I lost my father, as well as my mother to whom I was very close, so what you feel for your father, I feel for my mother. Yes, I miss my father as well, but we were never that close. The most I remember of my father is his preaching and his discipline. Our mother was the backbone of our family, the one who was truly there for us, and…read more
“Together again.. Mmmmmuuaaahhh, one more time.. mmmuuaaahhh” Drawn back in time to early mornings, jumping in mommy and daddy’s bed, my father’s deep, cheerful yet monotone chant, to give me kisses while singing rings loud in my head in the middle of this present spring time night. May 3rd 2023, My daddy, pops, children’s grandpa, took his last…read more
This line is so true, “Remember that he wouldn’t want me stressed, heart broken or afraid, but at peace, loved and bold to keep going. ”
He would want you to be at peace and keep going. He sounds like he was and is a wonderful father. I teared up reading your letter. No matter how old we get, I think we a…read more
When I moved here, I didn’t know myself. I certainly didn’t love myself. I don’t like to think that it took losing you for those things to happen, but I know that for a long, long time, you were my only trans friend— or you and your husband were, until you both died, the same night, in one another’s arms, nine years ago. I know that when you…read more
I’m sorry for your loss. They sound like great people. I’m sure if they were to read this they’d smile and appreciate your kind words. Thank you for sharing.
So sorry for your loss, and I can’t begin to understand your feeling of a trans, or what you go through daily, but I do understand love, true love, and I felt you had that with this couple. I’m sorry you lost your friend, but one day, there will come many others who will support you, befriended you, support you, believe me. You’re not alone and y…read more
I don’t think I believe in heaven or hell much anymore . My beliefs are iffy . Why do I have to choose one thing , I won’t .. I don’t know where you are but the place I imagine is in a beautiful place with no pain no hurt . You have a big drum set & you’re playing and smiling and happy and okay . It’s been almost 10 months since I lost my brothe…read more
Kierra, I am so very sorry for your loss. Grief is nauseating rollercoaster ride. All your feelings are so valid, and your response is so normal. Sending you the biggest hug. I know your brother is somewhere watching over you. Sending you and your family so much love. <3 Lauren
Thank you so much for your kind words . I appreciate that . It’s definitely a a coaster of enthusiasm. Grief is a scary and weird thing . The cycles feel endless
I’m sorry you had to lose such a impactful person/the closest person in your life. I know it was hard when you found out he was gone. But it will get easier. Just keep fighting and pushing his memory.
So sorry for you, because a times, I feel the same way. We suppose to believe there’s a Heave and a Hell, but to me, most of the time I feel that Hell is on earth. I never knew how death really feel until I lost my mom. I hated almost any and everything that was moving in the world, because my mother wasn’t. How fair is that? Yes, it gets a little…read more
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope he’s in a place of beauty and in no pain. Grief is difficult but as time goes on it’ll get easier. The pain will fade. Just take it one day at a time.
I WRITE A DAY LATE. YOUR BIRTHDAY was yesterday: LITERALLY, I AM a DAY LATE.
On July 27, 2014, you passed, PHYSICALLY; it was a rare HEART CONDITION. YOU HAVE A RARE HEART. A golden HEART. Check that, a 💜! (your FAV COLOR) and an attitude akin to an 🐘 with its tusks ⬆️. You had those up EVERYWHERE
I’m so sorry for your loss. Just letting you know even if you are a day late on her birthday it’s better than getting all together. Jake your letter is so touching and you shared a lot of great memories with Mikaela. She will forever be grateful to have had someone like you in her life. Especially since you are still shining a light on her in…read more
Thank you SO MUCH, Kayjah!!!The RECOGNITION and WORDS mean the WORLD to me, it is hard to express!!!KEEP the POSITIVITY UP… we NEED MORE of that!!!
With TREMENDOUS ADMIRATION and GRADITUDE!!
Jake
This is a beautiful letter. I’m sure that golden heart has left a legacy of bravery and kindness behind for everyone to enjoy. May her name be brought up in many lovely conversations. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the beautiful words, @mavisjohnson! I appreciate YOU taking the time to write such a HARTWARMING message! Using words such as GOLDEN HEART,
AND Bravery are some of the reasons why she leaves a GREAT LEGACY!
This is beautiful, and I’m so sorry for your loss. We all at times deal with a day late, a dollar short moments and feel so bad about it, but it happens. We get so busy in our everyday lives, we just forget the most important moments, times and things that touch other lives. You will always remember the smiles, the way she helped with the s…read more
Thank you, Karen @kmimsrice for your thoughtful words of reflection and thank you for your condolence.
YOUR BEAUTIFUL response can serve as a reminder, not just in the tough moments, BUT ALL THE TIME, “to REMEMBER ALL the JOY that was brought into your life from THIS ONE PERSON”
From the moment I was born you were mine. My parents had chosen you to be my godmother, a duty which you took very seriously. When I look back you were always there for every one of my milestones; my Baptism, my first few words, my first steps, my first haircut, my Confirmation and First Communion, my high school graduation. You were even…read more
Aww hannah, This is so sweet. I am so sorry for the loss of you Godmother. I am certain she is watching over you and she is so proud of you- not just as far as your career/education but simply who you are as a person. I am sure she is watching down on you and smiling every day for the last 8 years. Keep making her proud. You are such a bright…read more
I’m so sorry that you lost your godmother I’m sure she’s happy that you’re still sharing the memories with her and that she’s glad the person you became to be today. I’m glad that you had someone to impact your life and you lived by that.
So beautiful, she will be missed, I can tell. I never knew my grandmother growing up, but your story reminds me of my relationship with my mom and when/how I found out she had passed. I loved her dearly, but more so in her last few years on this earth. When I received the call that she had passed, I was very upset. I had never been so upset in my…read more
I have had the pleasure of spending the last 11 years with your son as my life partner. We have had our ups and downs, that has not stopped us from enjoying our lives together. When I walked into your son’s life there wasn’t much he would talk about with me when it came to you because he was still in pain. I know it must hav…read more
I am so sorry for your loss. But what a beautiful letter. I am so sure he is smiling down on you guys and proud of the love you share and the wonderful children you are raising together. Sending lots of love and wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. xoxoxo
Lauren
I’m so sorry for your loss Al, I think I remember you writing an letter about your Manulo not too long ago. Don’t worry! He is in a great place and you will see him someday. Stay strong I know this journey can be hard but keep your head held high.
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful letter. I’m glad you all have that necklace to wear and feel closer. Best wishes in the days and months ahead.
This is beautiful, such a memoir to a great person. You did him very well. You’re holding on to his greatness, having his memory live on. Too bad you didn’t get to personally meet him, but as you’ve stated, he’s with you all in spirit and will always be. I’m so glad your husband is honoring his memory with his money clip. Funny the little one…read more
This was the morning that my mother’s body finally gave out from battling multiple forms of cancer since her diagnosis. Cancer never took her smile, sense of humor or her positive attitude even while battling this disease at the same time as my 16 year old sister from 1996 until my mom’s passing in 97. Having my sister in my life made figuring out…read more
Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m also happy for your gain. Your mom was truly inspiring. You were able to follow in her footsteps and smile just like her. Keep that positive attitude. She surely is keeping hers.
Super kind of you to say Kayjah. I would like to say that my sister didn’t get to finish her goal of graduating from Xavier University. Knowing that you our working on your own college courses towards your degree brings great joy. Appreciate each day you wake and go out there and get want you want out of life. I’m proud to know you and look for…read more
Dear Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but grateful that you remember that through her battle with cancer, she was not only courageous, but had a wonderful smile, sense of humor and a positive attitude. I am glad that you celebrate her life with this in mind. Going forward, it’s what we all should do. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kanani, Thank you for taking time to read my letter and respond. I appreciate your kind words. All life events have value and for me it was important to share this with our community because if my story helps even one person by making them think then it’s totally worthy. Perspective is such a great tool to have. Thank you again!