every night I can see them light up the sky, it's like they're saying "hi" 🌟😌
Losing someone is never easy, regardless of whether they're a family member, a friend, a partner, a teammate, a pet, someone who made a difference in your life, or even just someone whose life you've made a difference to. Sometimes they leave to be up with the stars, and sometimes they just leave your life in other ways - and whatever way they leave, whether intentional or unintentional; mutual or unrequited; gradual or sudden; unexpected or expected; acknowledged or implicit; with or without closure - they all hurt in their own way.
But they still shine, whether on Earth or with the stars.
So -
🌟 This post is to the family members who may have passed on but have left a wealth of a legacy behind them. Up with the stars, they shine and watch over you every night and send over their light whenever you need it.
🌟 This post is for the friends you may not talk to much anymore, but know that the times you had together were irreplaceable. Their friendship is what made you, you - and them, them. In every lifetime, there are friends who come and go, but we can always look back and smile at the friendship's memories.
Throughout my childhood, I had moved probably a dozen times (no literally, maybe more! - okay I just counted, this is my 12th home :'P) and attended close to a dozen schools. Each move, each school, meant different friends. I didn't get social media until Grade 9, meaning that many of those friends are now uncontactable. I can still remember my elementary school friends, and even though I don't have any way to contact them -- if they look up in their sky, you bet they'd see me up there and waving "hi" :')
🌟 This post is for the partner, or partners, who may no longer be by your side the same way, but who have taught you invaluable lessons on love and life. They can shine with someone else, and you can and will too.
Losing lovers can be one of the most painful things in life. However, if it's someone we truly loved, we will never stop having love for them. Even if they're not actively part of our lives, we can still hope they're doing well. And if we can have those hopes, they can for us too.
🌟 This post is for the pets who loved you unconditionally before they went to the Rainbow Bridge, and whose warmth and company will stay with you indefinitely.
A pet's companionship doesn't need to end when they leave our side physically. Pets are loyal and faithful, and I don't see a reason why they don't stay by our sides as spirits :')
🌟 This post is for the people who have made a difference in your life - the teachers, mentors, coaches, teammates, roommates, colleagues - who may have not realized their impact on you while they paved their own path. Wherever they are, they still shine, and you can be grateful to have once been a part of their path and present to their light.
All the mentors in my life at one point in time have shaped me into who I am today, and I am so honoured that they've crossed paths with me. My teachers have taught me lessons that I will remember forever, beyond academic facts and figures. My sensei's belief in me has helped me build my self-confidence. My coaches during leadership programs helped me re-invent my perspectives and possibilities, and led me to craft my life goals. Everyone from camp counsellors, career advisors, professors, volunteer supervisors and event speakers - they're remembered and I see them light up my sky too, waving and hoping I'm doing alright :')
Then there are also those who have made an impact on you without even knowing you personally. Singers, actors, influencers who have made you feel understood or captured you in their art. Their art and their words may act like a blanket when you felt you had nobody, or encouraged you to venture into a new project, new thoughts or new actions. I'm sure that when they think of their supporters and fans (who include you), they definitely say "hi".
🌟 This post is for the people whom you've dedicated parts of your heart to, even for a moment - kids you've mentored, peers you've helped, teams you've led. All the people whom you've watched grow and thrive and now lead their own lives. They shine, and you can be proud of them from afar.
During my school years, I've been a part of dozens of extracurriculars and attended more dozens of conferences. I've met so many amazing people whom inspire me, struggled alongside me, look up to me. We may not be involved the same context anymore, but I can still be hoping that they're living their best lives. I can still see them achieve milestones and accomplish their goals (i.e. on social media), and feel so proud.
My students when I was a Residence Assistant were one of the joys of my life back when I was in residence, and watching them graduate and go onto life makes my heart so full. Even if I don't see them in the hallways like I used to, I definitely smile and say "hi" when I see them in my thoughts.
🌟⛵ And then, this post is for Beth.
Beth is my sweet and kind friend who took her life on January 26th, 2020, due to mental health challenges. She was one of the first friends I made when I was the only new student in my Grade 6 class, when everyone else knew each other since basically Kindergarten. She was the friend who helped me plan and organize my first ever birthday party when I turned 11, and I think the first school-friend who came over to my place in middle school.
She switched schools in high school, and after both of our families moving, we didn't connect too often except for times when we'd see each other unexpectedly and exchange warm wishes. During high school and at Queen's, she was a star cheerleader and would have been a star teacher. Even though she's not on Earth the same way anymore, she's still a star.
Beth, you shine so bright both in life and beyond. Your kindness and friendship will never leave me, and I always carry a part of your smile and big heart with me, wherever I go.
You were known as "Boat" to your friends and teammates around you in university, and it is for that reason why I have a special version of this drawing dedicated to you, our little "Boat".
The song "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran will always remind me of her, as it was a song that was played repeatedly at her Celebration of Life. That is why I've made a cover of the song in her memory, whose draft is the background music for this drawing's making-video:
Keep shining, and keep floating.
⛵🌟
All of them still stay with you, just in a different way.
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If you're struggling with mental health - please, please, please, please, please reach out. I am here for you. When one person leaves, they do not just take themselves with them; they take a piece of the hearts of everyone who's known them too. Your life is worth living, and I promise that the dark days can and will pass. If you're not feeling okay - please, text me, message me, call me and I will be with you through the pain. People care about you, people remember all the little things you've done, and people value your presence in the world - even if you may not see it at a certain moment.
We do not need more deaths due to suicide. We do not need more lost friends, lost family members, due to mental health challenges.
I'm here if you need a friend 💜 Always. ⠀
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🎨 I've made this drawing available for download - in all the versions (phone wallpaper, desktop wallpaper, with and without the words, etc)! Download them here: www.adventureswithwildheart.com/wildheart-land 🐾
(or see them all here)
🎶 I am finalizing my cover of "Supermarket Flowers" - stay tuned for it!! :')