Ashley Reynolds
Jesse,
I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks trying to find the words, trying to figure out how to say everything that’s in my heart. The truth is, I won't be able to entirely. It's impossible to convey and unpack 37 years in a single post.
You were the light of my childhood. Every holiday or family gathering where we got to be together became my favorite day. We were each other’s world. I’m so grateful our families gave us that gift, they gave me you.
You have always been the strongest, bravest, most courageous, joyful, and loving person I’ve ever known. I’m especially thankful for these last five years and the healing they brought. Even on your hardest days, you stayed true to who you were. You taught me and continue to teach me about perspective: what truly matters, what to let go of, what to learn from, what to laugh through, and what is worth holding onto.
One of my greatest regrets is the stretch of our lives when we lost touch. I wish we had been there for each other through so many of life’s beautiful moments. And then, just as we found our way back to one another and started making plans again, you were called to fight the hardest battle of your life.
The last week I spent with you will stay with me forever. Your strength, your gentleness, your humor, your love, and your courage filled every room you were in. I’ll never forget when you looked at me and said, “There’s something cosmic between us.”
The truth is, I think our souls have known each other for a very long time.
I’m trying to find peace in my heart the way you wanted me to, the way you asked me to, and the way you hoped I would. I promise I’ll keep trying. And wherever this next part of your journey leads, I hope you know that a piece of my heart will always belong to you.
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for being one of the greatest gifts my life has ever known.
I love you, always.