It's been four years to the day since you left your body and family on earth, and I thought I would write you a letter to let you know what's been going on with the Larson clan.
April 11, 2011 is a day that, as cliche as the phrase is, I will never forget. Apparently it was Master's Sunday, and I was woken up by Mom letting me know that it was time. We sat at your bedside and reminisced on good times, and a dear family friend brought us Chipotle for lunch. And then it was time to say goodbye.
Later that day, family friends came over to help us get ready for the influx of visitors and food we were about to get. I went to Walmart with Melisa to pick up paper plates and disposable cutlery. The strangest thing was that people were going about their days as though my entire world hadn't just been rocked. Did these people not know that my dad was never going to see me graduate from college? Walk me down the aisle at my wedding? Play with his grandchildren? Nor was anybody giving me that pitying look that I had grown all to accustomed to. Jared said the same thing about the people out on their boats on the lake enjoying the day full of sunshine. That experience alone has brought the phrase "be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle" to mean so much more to me.
You were taken to the morgue in an Auburn shirt, because War Damn Eagle. You always said you wanted to be cremated, and to this day I am convinced it is because of the scene in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace when Qui-Gon Jinn is being cremated. When we were deciding what would hold you, we made jokes and laughed about memories of you - and I'm certain that the mortician believed us to be absolutely bonkers. At your funeral we had Chipotle bring in Burritos because nothing else would make sense, and we had a ridiculous amount of Mountain Dew... we didn't run out of it at home for the six months following. There were antics surrounding picking you up and the story has been a source of gut wrenching laughter ever since. Also, Chipotle caters now. Thought you should know.
The next big event that sticks out in my mind is my interview for a seasonal position at Disney. I sat in the lobby as A Bug's Life, one of your favorites, played on a TV and I called mom with tears brimming in my eyes because I knew you'd be proud that I was finally getting something on my resume.
Then I graduated and moved home. After a few months of slummin it for the Mouse, I got my first real post grad job. Jared and Halie got married. About a year after graduating I was finally done paying mom back for school, moved into Leslie's mother-in-law suite so I could be close to mom, and got a new job that I absolutely love. I think you'd be glad to know that the company I work for is full of phenomenal people and I thoroughly enjoy going into work every day - despite the 40 minute commute each way.
I've maintained my creativity as I've continued to write, attempting to utilize it as a way to grow into the best person I can be. I read political pieces, and try my best to stay up to date with world events. I got a record player for my birthday this past year and it is by far the best gift I've ever received. While I don't have many of the old tunes, you'll be glad to know that my prized vinyl is my copy of The Cars titular album.
I didn't realize all of the things I took for granted when it came to you. There have been so many times when I wanted to call you up on the phone to discuss a political piece that I had read, or tell you a funny story, or let you know that I love you. Mom and I recently discussed the time you took me to the hospital when I was in the pit of my depression and how you telling the Doctor I was going to be okay and didn't need to be admitted to the psych ward was the turning point in our relationship, and probably in my entire healing process.
So while I mourn the fact that you're no longer here and I no longer get to experience life with you, I also choose to celebrate the life you led and the family you created.
With love from your little girl,
Bekah Boo
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