Dear Cousin

Happy 38th birthday. I never imagined that you wouldn’t be here to celebrate it. Your life ended shortly after your 37th birthday. Half a life lived. The way that you were torn away from the planet was not fair. But even if your life was half, it was in many ways complete.

Today I think about the good experiences that we have had together. I remember you, my dear cousin. You never forgot my birthday. You were strong on the outside and soft on the inside. I had many good experiences with you. Whether it was in Frederikshavn, on Falster, in Copenhagen or in San Diego. Half a life lived with warmth, love and many experiences.

Dear cousin. 

You always saw the good in other people. You played with the children. You took care of people around you. Your joy for life and your life was contagious - in a good sense. And if we didn’t know it before, your funeral said as much by all of the people participating. By all of the people sending you a greeting, when you left us.

Dear cousin. 

For the first 27 years of my life, you were like an extra brother to me. We grew up together. We were a part of each other’s lives from the day I came into the world until the day you left us. You are still a part of my life, because no one will ever be able to steal my memories. Memories of a person open towards others and the world. Memories of a person with big dreams that were realised. Memories of a person doing their part to create a better world. Memories of a person enjoying life. Memories of a person you could have both serious and funny conversations with.

Dear cousin. 

Even though you are not here anymore, you are still here. In my heart and in my memories. And I am lucky to have you until the day where I am no longer here. The world became richer, when you entered it and poorer when you left. But the wealth you have left will live on in those that knew you. I honour your memory.