June 28th - A Bittersweet Milestone: Remembering You on Your 21st Birthday
June 28th marks a significant day that holds both joy and sorrow. It would have been your 21st birthday, a milestone that should have been celebrated with excitement and anticipation. However, it also serves as a painful reminder of the seven birthdays we've spent without your presence. Today, I reflect on the experiences we missed sharing and the profound impact you continue to have on our lives.
A 21st birthday is traditionally associated with emancipation, a rite of passage into adulthood. It's meant to be a time when friends and family gather to celebrate your journey and accomplishments. It should have been a moment of togetherness, laughter, and sharing stories. We would have raised a glass to your future, discussing your university experiences, newfound independence, and exciting plans for the summer ahead. But instead, we are left with a solemn affair.
Today, I find myself visiting your resting place, sitting cross-legged, and playing the music that you loved. It's a quiet moment of connection, where I engage in a heartfelt conversation with the most important female figure in my life. I wonder about the path you would have chosen in university, the program you would have been enrolled in. I envision the impact you would have had on your brothers, the positive influence you would have had on society, and the lasting footprint you would have left behind.
My mind is filled with memories of your insatiable curiosity, strength of character, and wicked sense of humour. I find solace in the pictures of your growth, forever capturing your youth while the world continues progressing. You remain forever my eldest child, and your presence is felt in the lives of your brothers and their journeys.
Yet, despite the sorrow, I am grateful for the time we did have together, even though it feels far too short. Your legacy was achieved in a remarkably short time, touching the lives of so many. Your passing brought together friends from different corners of your life, united by their association with you. Your impact on their lives and the connections forged in your honour continue to resonate within our community and beyond.
Though you may no longer walk this earth, we raise our glasses to you, Maddie, our guest of honour. Your absence is deeply felt, but your message lives on. We honour and salute you for your contributions during your time here and the conversations that have grown significantly since your departure. Your presence is missed daily, but others are responsible for carrying your message forward.
Cheers to you, Maddie. I eagerly await the day when we can share a drink together. Happy 21st birthday, dear.
