A Fading Star, But Not Forgotten

Dear Candice,

I’ve been trying to find the right words to express how much you meant to me, and how much you still mean to me even though you’re no longer here. It feels impossible, because how can I possibly capture the depth of my gratitude for you in just a few words? But I’ll try, because you deserve to know.

Thank you. Thank you for being in my life, for being the amazing sister that you were, and for making me a better person simply by being yourself. I realize now how much I took for granted, all the small moments, the times we laughed, or even the times when we didn’t always see eye to eye. But no matter what, you were always there for me, offering your kindness, your wisdom, and your unwavering support.

You had this incredible way of seeing the world—always with a sense of hope, of patience, and of love. You taught me how to be more present, how to be more kind, how to approach life with a little more grace and understanding. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. The way you handled life’s challenges, with such dignity and strength, showed me what true resilience looks like. You were someone who always tried to lift others up, even when life was pulling you down. I’ll carry that lesson with me for the rest of my life.

I still think about the way you would smile, the warmth in your eyes, and the way your laughter would fill the room. You had a way of making everything feel better, no matter how tough things were. And now, in your absence, I realize how much that light in you meant to me and to everyone who knew you. You didn’t just exist in this world, Candice—you made it a better place just by being in it.

I find comfort in the fact that you left a piece of yourself behind, especially in your daughter. She is the most incredible gift, a reflection of your spirit, your energy, and the love you gave. Every time I look at her, I see you. I see the spark of who you were, the way you carried yourself, and I know that she will carry that with her always. She’s a living reminder of all the best parts of you, and I promise you, I will do everything I can to make sure she knows how special her mother was, and how loved she is by all of us.

You may not be here physically, but your essence is all around us. It’s in the way I try to be more patient with others, in the way I see the good in people even when it’s hard. It’s in the way I carry your memory with me every day, and how I try to honor your legacy by living a life that reflects the best of you. You have shaped me in ways I may never fully understand, but I know that every bit of strength, love, and courage I find within myself is a gift you gave me. You were my sister, my friend, my guide, and I will forever be thankful for you.

I will miss you, Candice. More than I can ever express in words. But I also feel incredibly lucky to have had you in my life, and to have been loved by you. Your love is still here with me, in every thought, in every memory, in the way I live my life. And I will carry you with me always, no matter what. You will never be forgotten.

With all the love in my heart,

Sophia