- C.K.

[Words to Image. My mental take on a visual image]

I never knew you. Our paths have never crossed. Yet, the connection we share has been one of the most powerful things in my life. I do not understand it and have often asked, why me? Why have you chosen to consume my thoughts the way you do? Are you not at rest? And what am I supposed to do with this? You do not haunt me, yet you do. It is not a fear that I feel. It is extreme sadness and gratitude. Your memory, despite myself having absolutely none of you, is a great motivator. I give thanks for everything my life has given me, specifically, from the age of your last day to the days you never had. I imagine all of the situations, the opportunities, the dreams and accomplishments I was allowed to experience while focused on the reason you were not. It is my humbling. My gratitude. Your name has been branded within my mind, and I just don't understand why. I speak it out loud so the universe will never forget you So, it can live on. So, you have the life you were robbed of. I recite your number even though it was forced upon you. I realize you were more than simply 5 digits but I speak it out loud, anyway, so the universe will never forget you. #26947, you have been deprived of your very existence so I will allow you to live within mine. I will give you life in a part of my heart, just as you give to me. Your memory burns like an un-extinguishable blaze. I accept you because you chose me. I still do not understand why, but I believe I need not ever know, exactly ... to appreciate you.

Your memory is life. And for that, I am grateful to you, my little Romanian friend. May you find peace within mine.

[A very personal and true story for me to write❤️]