By this time last year, I’d already said my goodbyes
By this time last year, you had already stopped being able to speak or give any physical indication that you could hear us
By this time last year, I’d wake up in the middle of the night crying
By this time last year, all I had of you were memories
This year, at this time, I’m OK
This year, at this time, I’ve made progress in making peace with your physical departure
This year, at this time, I can think of you without immediately bursting into tears
This year, at this time—and really everyday—I still miss your physical presence
But the love’s still there
And always will be
Deepening, in a way
Stronger, everyday
So, thanks for that