Echoes of You

25

Dear Caitlin,

The garden is in full bloom, and it reminds me so much of you. You always loved flowers, and I remember how I used to pluck them for you whenever we went for walks. You had this beautiful way of appreciating every little thing I did, and I loved seeing the joy on your face when I handed you a freshly picked flower.

You would always treasure the flowers I gave you. You told me once that each flower I picked had a story, a memory attached to it. You kept every single one, pressing them carefully between the pages of your favorite books or putting them in vases around the house. You'd even draw them, capturing their delicate beauty with your artist's eye.

Today, I took Toby for a walk in the park, and I couldn't help but think of you with every step. As we walked, I saw the flowers blooming in vibrant colors, and I felt a pang of longing. I picked a few, just like I used to for you. Holding them in my hand, I remembered how your face would light up when I presented you with a small bouquet, as if it was the most precious gift in the world.

When I got home, I placed the flowers on the kitchen table. They looked beautiful, but there was an emptiness, a void that your absence has created. Mark noticed the flowers and asked if they reminded me of you. I nodded, and we spent some time talking about how you loved to draw every flower I gave you.

Emily joined us, and I told her about your love for flowers and how you would preserve them and draw them. She was fascinated and asked if she could see your drawings. I took out your sketchbook, the one where you meticulously captured every petal, every leaf. Emily was in awe, and she spent hours looking through your artwork, asking questions about each flower and the stories behind them.

It was comforting to share your passion with Emily, to see her appreciate the beauty and love you poured into your drawings. She asked if she could try drawing some flowers too, and we spent the afternoon together, sketching and talking about you. It felt like a piece of you was still with us, inspiring and guiding us.

Toby sat beside me as I drew, his head resting on my lap. He's become such a comforting presence, a reminder of the love and joy you brought into my life. As I sketched the flowers, I felt a sense of peace, a connection to you that transcended the physical world. It was as if you were right there with me, guiding my hand, whispering encouragement.

The nights are still the hardest, Caitlin. The ache of your absence is always there, but having Mark, Emily, and Toby here has made it a bit more bearable. They've brought a sense of life and hope back into my days, and I'm grateful for their support. I miss you every moment, but I'm finding small ways to heal, to keep moving forward.

I love you more than words can say, Caitlin. I hope you can see how much you are loved and remembered, how your spirit continues to inspire me. I'll keep writing to you, sharing my days, my thoughts, my love. Forever in my heart, Caitlin.

Yours always, Davin