
August 28, 1982-April 6, 2025
When I met you, I could tell you'd weathered a lot in your life. I could see the shadows lurking behind you, just barely held back from escaping again. You loved the darkest time of night, I think, because it's easy to hide from even the deepest, most menacing shadows in those quiet, isolated hours where you could be all alone in the universe. Despite everything you faced, all your regrets, you had a light that I saw in you from the first time I met you--you, the stray cat who wandered into the backyard and I never wanted to leave. How many hours we spent talking and laughing. It was so easy to be around you. You always said I mothered you, something you desperately needed, and you did the same to all those around you. I didn't ask you about the shadows that haunted you because you were so determined to start over, build a brand new life, and become the person I think you always wanted to be…the person that all the horrors in your life seemed determined not to allow you to become. You loved Monarchs, hummingbirds, cats, flowers and plants, music, dancing, football, motorcycles, storms, Halloween. You wanted to surround yourself with friends who could accept you for who you were in the present. You were trying so hard to accept yourself and plant deep roots that would never choke you. I know you wanted to be redeemed from all the heavy regrets you carried. That's why you gave everyone you met a chance, no matter what. I got to be in the garden of your new life for a few years, and I'm so grateful for all I've learned from you. I was so proud of the person you were becoming, however shaky that journey was as you moved forward, trying not to let the darkness behind you hold you back or overtake you. I believe you were so close to healing and emerging from the cocoon that kept you safe since you arrived here, broken, and I'm glad I got to love you as you put yourself back together. Be forgiven, beautiful butterfly, be healed. You're free now, and the light you wanted to bask in is waiting to embrace you. I'll miss you and I'll never forget you. I'll always see you in every sunflower along my path.
Karen Wiesner is an award-winning, multi-genre author of over 150 titles and 16 series.
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