(In loving memory of my Ellie Struble, my sister)
Hey, big sister, to catch you up
I’m 14
I started middle school
I am getting really good at dance
Isabel is going to college this summer
I have friends that I trust and love
Tipper is still here and misses you
I have my own room
I love plants
I am trying to understand math
I realize I don’t like planes
I like cleaning and organizing because it feels comforting
Dad and Mom are trying to figure things out
I actually like writing and I am getting better at reading
I’m still at the same school since kindergarten
I learned that I really really like jewelry
Especially looking at yours
As I list all these things I realize that you have been with me for all these things
Just not right by my side when I needed and wanted a hug
When I wanted a hug after my first dance recital after you left
When I wanted a hug after Milo died
When I wanted a hug after finding what I love to do for fun
When I needed a hug when I figured out we were moving to Michigan
When I needed a hug when I found out Mom and Dad were separating
When I just wanted to have one last hug with you
I’m sure you would give me a hug and say “Everything is going to be okay”
But I miss sitting in your lap
I miss getting hugged by you
I miss smelling your perfume
I miss hearing your voice
I miss hearing your contagious laugh
I miss your smile
I miss saying I love you
I think you would be proud of me
But I honestly don’t know
XOXO
Addeline Struble is a fourteen-year-old student at Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. As youngest of six children she enjoys writing, ballet, basketball, and summer sun. Ellie, her oldest sister, was killed in a tragic car accident in 2016. This loss has provided Addeline with tragic inspiration for her writing as a form of honoring her sister, while also helping herself and family navigate the pain of loss and joyful memories.