u/nascent_luminosity

Any suggestions? What we got going on here in the burg?

I've tried, I really have.

I knew I liked you from the very first moment I met you and you lit up telling me about the fox hunt dogs, so intent to see them that you went out of your way to find them after you missed them. That kind of joy and adventure in the small things told me so much about you.

Your warm smile and magnetic eyes drew me in like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. There was depth and warmth that made me feel like I wanted to be pulled in and know your world, it was genuinely hard to look away.

You moved with such relaxing and nonchalant grace, with a soft smile regularly on your face, that it belied the incredibly awe inspiring and badass life you were living. Adventures in the Alps, tight friend and family bonds, impressive athletic feats from marathons to skiing, the constant motion of being both an amazing mom of 4 and a successful entrepreneur opening shops left and right, all carried with such quiet strength that you made it look effortless. Every new detail of your life I learned was like discovering another hidden superpower, I truly don't know how you did it all and without apparently breaking a sweat. I wish I was more like you. I wish I could have gotten closer to you.

Most of all, your simple kindness toward me -- a struggling, chaotic father of 4, like you -- mattered more than you will possibly ever know. The way you welcomed me into your presence, despite being of another stratosphere than me in more ways than one, became a safe place I wanted to stay near. You were a light during a time when I needed it, and I feel its absence now that you’re gone. I miss that light in your eyes when you looked my way. I miss you.

Now you're gone, moved on to a hopefully better place for your light. Whatever your next chapter brings you, I hope it’s full of growth, happiness, and moments that make your eyes light up the way I will always remember. You deserve a life that keeps meeting you with the same beauty and wonder you so effortlessly bring into the world.