Oh, the mystery in the imaginable. Not quite unanticipated, since it's haziness lingers in the deep parts of my heart, always. Could-of, what-if, would-of. These ambiguous thoughts blanket every corner of my soul. Then, it sets in. The persistent missing that seems to cheat the air from my chest. Behind the love, the joy, and the memories: the missing dwells. Today, more than ever, I cannot stop my mind from drifting to the sweetness in her smile, the beauty in her presence, and the pain in my heart.
...
My dad used to tuck my sisters and me in at night. He would read us a book, lay us down, and kiss our cheeks. He recited the Guardian Angel prayer until we knew it well enough to say it along with him. It never fails to provide me with comfort and light when difficulty and darkness settle in my heart.
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God's love commits me here
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen
Happy birthday, my guardian dear. You are forever remembered, loved, and missed by so many.