My Turquoise Bag

“So it’s true, when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love.” – E.A. Bucchianeri

When someone we love passes away, what is it about the world around us that reminds us of them?

A song.

A flower.

A sunset.

A place. 

Not just any song or flower. We remember their favourites.

“She loved purple roses”.

“He really loved to paint.”

“They loved the first snowfall.”

“She always drizzled honey in her tea.”

“She loved hummingbirds.”

“He loved thunderstorms.”

These words of remembrance spill out from people, perhaps as a way of bringing their loved one back into the space they once occupied.

It’s a way to feel close to them again by talking about what they used to love.

And what they used to love always seems to be tied to nature, music, art, food, people, love.

All of these have one thing in common: these are the joys of life.

This is what people enjoy most while they are alive, and this is how they are remembered when they are gone.

Not their jobs. Not their promotions. Not their financial status.

It’s their favourite food. Their favourite colour. Their favourite movie.

So this made me ponder:

If we remember people by their favourite joys of life, why not make more time for that ourselves while we are alive?

Consider this an invitation to do more of your favourite things, and surround yourself more frequently with the people who feel like sunshine.

Sing your heart out. Savour your morning coffee. Close your eyes and breathe in sunshine on your face. Eat that slice of chocolate cake. Inhale the scent of your loved one as you hold them for a second longer. Stop and smell the roses — literally.

One day, all this will change. 

But right now, we have it. Oh, how lucky we are to have it. 

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Letter to Nav

It’s been a year and I see you everywhere.

I saw a woman who looked like you having a picnic with friends. The entire neighbourhood was outside rejoicing in this new season. The view was that of joy and sunshine, yet my saddened heart said, “You should be here”.

Then the moon shone like a silver jewel, and I felt your presence in a way I’m not sure I understand. 

I don’t know where you are, but I see you.

I see you in pink petals and yellow butterflies.

I see you in bejewelled saris and pretty dresses.

I see you in Spring and lavender skies.

I see you the most at sunrise.

Sunrise is a symbol of a new day, and even though you are not here, it feels like you are in another place waving good morning.

Wherever you are, I see you in all the beautiful things in this life.

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🤍