To My Niece...

When I think of you, I think of a wonderful young lady who seemed full of life. While you were more likely to settle down and read a good book than want to go out on the town, your eyes always shined as you did something that you loved. You were thoughtful and intuitive in what you did, working out details and seeing the world in a way that many cannot.

You may have felt like you were just one out of three, connected completely through being a set of triplets. But your individual talents continued to reveal themselves as you grew older. Your Christmas cards, for example, were always the most artistic and detailed of your family, laying out your talent for drawing as you gave us an amazing gift in your work. I will treasure these cards forever.

I still remember the pool parties we attended when you were younger. Your laughter would be just as strong as the other girls, if not stronger, as I would do my best to use my strength to toss you all into the air. It was inevitable that you three would triple-team me, and I’d end up the one being dunked in the water.

I always knew a visit from the triplets would be organized chaos in a good way. We’d go to see you guys as you stayed at your grandmother’s house, playing video games and essentially taking over the place for a week or two. Our family get-togethers were always memorable for one reason or another, and I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world.

My wife and I watched on with pride as you seemed to be pulling everything together lately. From what I’ve been told, you were doing well in your new high school and were even taking community college classes to prepare for after your graduation. I wish I’d talked to you more about what you wanted to do in college. I wish I’d talked to you more overall.

I still can’t believe that you’ve left us.

I’m so sorry for the inner demons that you fought in your life. Those troubles have been laid aside now. You’re no longer weighed down. You can soar throughout the sky, unburdened now by the issues found in our world. Someday, I know that we’ll meet again. I look forward to that day.

Rest in peace, Jillian. Your aunt and uncle will always love you.

Always.