Dedicated to my friend and mentor Stacy for I learned much of this with your guidance. I will forever be indebted. Rest in heaven now.
Because
Because of you, I grew.
From youth to a woman, to a warrior. From you were the gift of my children who are the greatest loves of my life. I will forever be thankful for that. While I no longer mourn your loss, I hold thankfulness for its place in forming me into the woman I am.
Because of you, I exist.
Your love was unconditional. From you came a lifetime of lessons and family. I will forever hold them in my heart as most precious. Your love lives on in me as a thread woven into who I am as a mother, a sister and a daughter. I am grateful always.
Because of you, I know love I never knew possible.
From you came love that knows no bounds – extending beyond this world and into another. Your existence changed me wholly and unequivocally for the better. You gave my life purpose.
Because of you, I know love that crossed boundaries.
From family to friendship and beyond. You filled roles that taught me how to love bigger and laugh more. You gave of yourself to me and to those who I loved most from your birth to your death. I learned from you what selflessness was.
Because of you, I became stronger through losses.
You showed me love at my lowest point and continued to give it asking nothing in return. You challenged me like no other and accepted me all along no matter the outcome. You touched my soul.
Because of you,
Love was given and although
seemingly taken
its gifts go on
