Luke

Hey Luke,

I saved you a seat. It just didn’t feel right to not have a spot for you. You’ve been gone 5 years and I’m still wrapping my head around that. Growing up, you were always next to me. You were the entertainment. You don’t know what it’s like not having you around. Without you the room is so much quieter. Jokes aren’t as funny and I haven’t figured out how you made everything so exciting. You’re gone but my need to be your sister isn’t. I miss you every day. Our family is missing you and will never be the same. I could go on and on of all the things I miss. Your smirk of a smile, our brotherly sisterly love/hate for one another. I would give anything just to hear you call me sis again. But there’s one thing you missed that I am forever grateful to have. 4 years after I last hugged you goodbye I met your daughter.

She has brought the light back. She has what you had that makes everyone around her feel special. She is hysterical. She has your boldness and ambition. She loves to dance and sing puts on concerts for grandma and grandpa. Uncle Dylan just bought her her first Ukulele. She hasn’t perfected the traditional chords but is really good at "making her own notes.” I saw the joy and laughter come back to our parents Luke. Watching them be grandparents to the most amazing beautiful 8yr old girl is the best gift in the world. I just wish you could have met her but I am so thankful you sent her our way. I will tell her all about her crazy dad and the fun we had.

So I saved you a seat. The best seat in the house, right next to your daughter.

I love you so much,

sis

Photographer: Delaney Hady & my mom