Epitaph.

The reflection in the mirror carries memories, scars, and lessons—each born from deliberate choices or serendipitous moments. The beauty and pain of my existence, shaped by everything and everyone that has touched my life, fills me with mindful gratitude. 

I wear my colourful glasses frame as an ode to my sister who wore it before me, and my smile holds the genetic print of the rare tooth gap that my ancestors passed down to me. I exist because generations ago someone fell in love with someone who looked exactly like me. I realise that everything I am is product of everyone and everything I have ever loved, and everything and everyone that has ever loved me. 

I keep a lint roller handy, because I from time to time have to clear my various belongings of the white fur that randomly appears because of a special little doggo we once knew, that left a huge hole in mine and my family’s hearts when he was kidnapped. Sometimes I just let it be, and imagine that he’s still around, just out for a walk or playing outside. I am a mosaic of every love and connection that has graced my life.

Much like the traces of fur left by a beloved pet, the music in my playlists holds echoes of friendships past and present. Whenever I discover a song that fits the vibe I just add it on to its respective playlist, and silently thank the universe for stranger souls that kept mine warm.

I still drink coffee with the teaspoon in the cup—a habit I borrowed from a friend I’ve since lost touch with. I still make it a habit to locate Venus in every night sky because of a camping trip whose entire memory is blurry except for this one thing.  I am shaped by every heart that has touched mine, and by those I have loved in return.

Oh to be lucky enough to have met everyone I have, and to have spent all my life falling in love with everything and everyone I let in. To be born in a shitty world but be a part of a groundbreaking generation. To represent the entire sentience of every being in my soul and to be a part of this great one consciousness. 

To live, to laugh, to hurt, to love. 

When my soul moves on to its next cycle, I wonder what I’ll leave behind. A wise poet once said, when all that is left of me is love, give me away. Look for me in the places I loved, in the impact I left behind, and in the smiles of children.

When you miss me and long for a hug, embrace the person next to you. Let the love we shared ripple outward to others. Were you to wish I was there to share our favourite sandwich, split it  with whoever is nearest to you. People never really die. Their memory lives on. 

In the same way that I inspired you, inspire others. In the same way that I loved you, love others. In the same way that I looked out for you, look out for others and let the cycle of positivity go on and on.  

I don’t know when I’m ever gonna write again, but I know that if I ever get the privilege to, everything at that time will be so different from what it is now, and I mean that in the best way possible. 

Thank you for your support, your inspiration, your love and all the words we have shared.  Everything I am is product of everyone and everything I have ever loved, and everything and everyone that has ever loved me.

As I step away from this chapter, I carry you with me. In this lifetime or the next, together or apart—live, love, and laugh! 

Pearl <3