VIOLET

A short life, lived to the fullest

Violet was only 15 months old when she died, but she was fully herself. Her presence filled every room she entered, and her soul—somehow—already felt deep, luminous and wise.

She had just learned to walk the week before she died, and she was so proud of it. Sometimes she would fully extend her arms, as if to say yes, I did it—I walked on this Earth! And she did it best with a cookie in her other hand. Maybe she already knew all about balance.

Her first word was “hi,” and she meant it with her whole heart. She believed everyone was worth meeting, and she would get upset if we moved on too quickly—she wanted to say hello to every stranger, every neighbor, every potential friend. She loved people. And people loved her.

Her favorite person in the world was her big brother, Charlie. Their bond was something sacred. They made each other laugh, shared their snacks, and lit up when they saw one another. She followed him like a shadow and admired him like a star. He adored her right back he still does, and is trying to figure out how in a new way.

Violet also had a best friend named Winston—a gigantic black-and-white cat with soft fur and patient eyes. They were almost never apart. Winston would let her climb on him, tug his ears, and lie down beside him like he was another stuffed animal. It was a friendship built on trust, affection, and some unspoken understanding we’ll never be able to explain.

There was a joy about Violet that made you stop. Something gentle and knowing. She loved music, moving her body, silly games, little animals, and any sunshine that spilled onto the floor. Her laugh was airy and contagious. She liked to be part of everything, and we wanted her in everything too.

It’s hard to write about someone who should still be here. Violet deserved a whole life. And still—what a life she had, even in 15 months. She taught us how to slow down, how to pay attention, how to love more fully and more openly. She brought people together. She still does.

She is our sunshine, our butterfly, our little violet bloom, and our invisible string. We carry her with us in everything we do.