I’m so happy that so many of my childhood memories got to include you. You made life fun and exciting and reminded me to laugh and think of others. You lived a life of inclusivity and had the biggest heart for the people (and animals) who needed you most. You supported me and showed up for life’s big moments like high school graduation and coming home from my mission. You were brave and bold and authentic and you didn’t care if people were different and I think you loved people more if they were (I want to be that way more because of you). You taught me how to stay up late (I pulled my first all nighter with you) and you showed me I didn’t have to be perfect and I could relax and have fun sometimes.
My favorite memory of you right now was our Harry Potter marathon right before I left on my mission. We spent two days watching Harry Potter and it was the one thing I wanted to do before leaving on my mission. My favorite childhood memories were in July because we got to celebrate day after day with the 4th of July, my birthday, and then your birthday.
For me it’s hard to not feel loss without feeling regret and I’m sorry I didn’t show up for you more these last few years. I’m sorry for assuming that I had time to change that. I’ll show up better for others in your honor - and I’ll think of you when I do.
I love you. I’m so lucky you were my cousin and my friend.