You are the name we choke up on.
The picture that has our breath caught in our throats.
The memory we share for a smile and laugh, that is always followed by tear filled eyes and an ache in our hearts.
You are the sadness that follows us into every holiday and special occasion, but also the comfort.
The birthday we can't stand to not acknowledge, but hesitate to celebrate because of the pain.
You are the sun that hugs us on a warm day, and the rain that covers our tears on the ones where we can't hold them back.
The reminder to always say "I love you", but to never waste our peace even on those we love.
You are the reason we all linger a little longer after we say our goodbyes.
The reason we've seen the saddest parts of one another.
You are the reason some of us fell apart and some of us have grown.
The reason that place and day mean so much to us.
You are the reason she has that hobby, and why he tells those jokes.
The reason she loves the beach, and he has that rose.
You are the one she writes about, and the name she hears in songs.
The conversations he remembers on long rides, and the reason for that box that will always tag along.
You're the stories she tells her children, and the one they wish they got to be around for.
The reason for the cup that sits on his shelf, and why he can't watch that show anymore.
You are their family without the blood, and the message we all read more times than we can count.
The picture on their bedroom walls, and why we play that song so loud.
You're that sacred memory that continues to play in our heads.
The words that are caught in our throats, forever remaining unsaid.
You are our friend, our family, and our angel.
The one who will forever walk by our sides and will always be missed.
Written in memory of my brother, Jason. Rest easy and peacefully.