Meghan

I tried so many times to write a poem or some profound piece of writing that could immortalize you. In most circumstances, words flow through my hand, gliding onto the paper; But not this time, dear cousin. At first I didn’t understand this, then it dawned on me…It is too early…It’s not time. We aren’t in our rocking chairs, finally allowing our roots to grow in, or exchanging the latest triumphs of our grandchildren. We aren’t knitting while reminiscing of long ago when we used shaving cream for shampoo at my grandmother’s house, or when we danced endlessly for family members using our best ballet moves; twirling and pliéing for a captive audience.
	We never had the opportunity to laugh about coercing all of the cousin’s to sneak into Nana Sis’s front living room (which was strictly off limits to children) to rehearse a play that you created and directed. Or about the endless "Big Sunday Dinners" at Aunt Florence’s. If we close our eyes we could probably, still see grandmom standing over a big pot of sauce, stirring ever so carefully. We didn’t get the chance to talk about Italy. How we cried, and held each other so tight because we knew when we let go we would be apart for three years. Or how happy we were when you returned and we were reunited at Grey Nun Academy.
As we’d rock and look to the horizon we’d remember Ocean City and our never ending quest for a Hollywood tan, and how we were parted again; Me to London and you to California. But as we drifted back home our lives would take on a new meaning. We were married now and about to become mothers: "I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you more radiant, Meggie," I’d say. "For as long as I could remember you wanted to be a mother and a wonderful mother you were. You showed William love and tenderness. You showered him with sweet baby kisses and long tender hugs. No baby could be more loved".
	But I’m not in my rocking chair and you are not next to me, and somehow I’m going to have to go on … Without your smile, that could light up a room. Without your amazing conversation and sharp wit. Without one of the sweetest, kindest and most humane people I know. I’ve been told many times you are in a better place. I’ll tell you dear, sweet, Meghan there is a place you will always be and that’s in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know you. As for me you take a piece of my heart with you! I love you and I’ll miss you always, Cousin Missey.

	The first candle I light is for your beauty and intelligence. You were a beautiful person, inside and out - undiminished by time. The countless hours you spent reading and writing always seemed to provide you with Comfort, and some of your greatest happiness. I wish you that same solace now that you are with God.
This second candle I light is for your strength and courage. May we be as strong and courageous as you were, In order to deal with our sorrow, To comfort each other, And to carry on without you in our lives.
	This third candle I light is for your love. For the love you gave us, and shared with us. For your kind and thoughtful ways. And the caring way you lived your life. The flame of this candle is a symbol of your love that will always glow in our hearts.
This fourth candle I light is in your memory. For the times we laughed, The times we cried, The times we shared, The memories we made together. There is a special place in each of us that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift of knowing you, and the privilege to have been a part of your life. While the pain of losing you is intense, it only serves to remind us of the depth of our love for you. We will always remember you. We will always love you. Rest now, sweet Meghan, rest. Mark