There was always an unspoken connection, but I suppose that is the language of love; something that is meant to be felt, not explained or defined. She always showed it so unconditionally through her work and involvement with the community and with her dedication about academia. Eagle Eye was always watching. She showed this through her love and appreciation for the little things; never overlooking their importance. Winstead’s milkshakes to chewing her food at least 20 times before swallowing, she savored life. Above all, she showed this through her love, passion and dedication for family. She may not have been very big physically, but her roots were mighty. She sustained us all. She is my roots. Through chasing me up and down the stairs, to patiently waiting as I inspected the art of a leaf or a plant as we walked by to teaching me how to properly talk (girl, twirl, world, walrus, squirrel) to letting me sit on her lap way into young adulthood. She saw me take my first steps and after that only encouraged me to fly. No matter how much distance was between, she was right there… and she still is.
She lives on. She lives on through her smell of extra and Dune perfume; every time we gaze upon the magnificence of a whale. She lives on through laughter and remembering there is never a bad time to engage in it. She lives on every time I see the moon (and I know it sees me)…