I sit looking solemly at the engraved plate, wondering why it had to be this way. I do not remember ever meeting you and I wish I had. Maybe it had to do with the stupidity of others. Maybe it was just fate. Whatever it was, you were taken away from your mother’s grasp, your sister and of course your only female cousin.
I touch your plate and felt tears roll down my face. You will never have bows in your hair, never sing songs or enjoy the sun at the beach. No smiles, no laughter, no being protective. I think of this as I read your name. Tiffany Gibson. Beautiful; no matter where you are or how you look.
I only regret that you never took your first breath outside of your mother. I regret that we never spent time together, never shared hugs, never got to spend time together. We never even got to see each other now that I go back to think about it. It does hurt when I think about the things you have missed doing with all your family.
Tiffany, we miss you and love you very much. It was sad that we never got to meet formally. It was sad you never took your first breath. As I look at your tiny little grate covered grave, tears well up. Not totally in sadness but with a little happiness there.
I know that our late grandmother is up there with you, looking over you and us. Protecting both of us. Your sister misses you down here and I wish I had met the twin sister of my favourite cousin. Somehow, deep inside, I feel I have just by looking at your twin sister, Aimee.
Be safe, little angel. And happy fifteenth bithday.















