I remember all the times we
played together. You were my world
and my entire life shifted
to think of you and only you

Others came later and we
built our routines and
blanket forts in the living room

I missed being with you
but my heart
grew in power
to be able to hold more
to love more

Without you, I know this life
will be different
but also new joys
in life will come

Loving you taught me this

and allowed me to become
a truer version of myself

someone who cares
who plays hard and
works because she has to

but most of all
someone who loves
and was loved in return

.

.

(photo credits: laura’s cousin & aunt)