Dear Nancy,

Today you have been gone from the Earth for 365 days. Each day was a little different. Some were so filled with joy that the pain I felt was a low hum. Others I was drowning in the well of my grief.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But each of those days cultivated something in me: strength, resilience, patience, and the deep workings of love & healing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I write myself notes on my calendar each month that read “Lisa is proud of you” because I want to remember that each time I create something new that you are proud that I’ve taken this anguish and made something beautiful.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I know you’re reading this so I want you to know that I miss talking to you every. damn. day. That might be the hardest. I don’t have a coffee date with you or a funny text exchange to look forward to. No one else gets my South Park jokes or 80s movie references. But it’s ok.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Because in the last year, I have been loved by many. I have never been alone. I have received support through handwritten notes, DMs on Instagram, text messages, emails. And I have dug deeper and deeper into friendships with amazing women that I know will last a lifetime.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I miss you all the time, but I’m grateful you are near. We are bonded together forever and I know I’ll never truly be without you. I hope your first year in Heaven was a kick! I hope you are hanging out with Bowie and Prince. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love you always. And when we meet again I know that first hug will be the sweetest and will feel like coming home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
George