There is no easy way to say this.
My cousin is leaving this earth tomorrow afternoon. It is her choice, after five years of dealing with a malignant brain tumor and standing up to every change it placed into her life. Yesterday, she decided it is time to let go. The biggest change of all.
Our families spent summers together, and the occasional Christmas. We went swimming in the ocean and the lake. We folded fleets of paper airplanes and flew them around the house. We leaned against the railing of the second floor sundeck and spit watermelon seeds as far as we could send them.
I miss her already.
Life is all change. The past year has shown me this in abundance. It has also taught me it is possible to find my way through each shift.
Today I am doing things my cousin and I both loved. Listening to music. Playing with word puzzles. Having time with family and friends. Writing.
The small things in life walk me through life’s big changes. The small things, and love.
Bon voyage, cousin, and much love. I am glad we’ve been family.
