Today and I’m thinking of you. And how maybe it was your time to say goodbye.

Did you know something we didn’t know? Did you know the hole you tore in my father’s heart? Did you let him know it wasn’t his fault?

It’s Christmas time and we don’t have you anymore. The girl who loved wearing a bell around the house to announce her presence.

You were such a presence. A gift from God after we had lost another.

Did you know you filled an emptiness in our hearts? Despite your stench and your lack of manners. The funniest stories I have are about you.

And now I hesitate. Hesitate to speak of you. Hesitate to release you.

But now I can accept. You’re dead. You’re never coming back. The 8 of swords reversed. If you did come back, we wouldn’t be happy to see the state you’re in.

But I love you and I’m grateful for the time we had together, however long or short it may have been compared to your past lives and the next.

Just please, never stop wearing that bell. Please let me know when you’re around. I love you.