I Miss

I miss you

I miss the calmness you possessed

I miss your positivity no matter what life threw at us

I miss our long talks

I miss our walks on the beach together, collecting shells

I miss watching the sunset whenever we were together

I miss your strength that seemed to radiate to whoever you were near

I miss hearing your voice without crying

* * *

This piece, especially the last line, were inspired by an ornament from what was my grandma's last Christmas. She left a personalized ornament for all her children and grandchildren. Mine says, "Merry Christmas René. Remember to reach for the stars, sweet girl." I hadn't listened to it since she was with us when I got it in 2017. I teared up when I heard it.