The Tender Balance of Life

Hi my friend,

Not long ago,
I returned home from 
my family's yearly vacation -
a little escape to soak in the sunshine
while the days remain grey back home.

A reminder that Summers still exist…
somewhere.

And every year, it feels bittersweet -
to leave behind the carefree ease 
of a place so beautiful,
and to slowly settle back 
into the rhythm of 
my real life.

A life I love. 
A life I choose.

I like this word - bittersweet.
It mirrors what living 
often feels like.

Moments of joy braided with
moments of sadness and longing.

This year,
I traveled with my family across the oceans
to a tiny island in Seychelles. 

We felt the sun kiss our skin,
played with stingrays near the shore,
and even stumbled upon the tiniest 
turtles making their first journey 
toward the water from beneath 
the bungalow stairs.

Our days were filled with adventures,
slow breakfasts,
and conversations that lingered
late into the night.

And then,
just as we settled into this rhythm,
I received the news that my beloved cat
of 17 years had passed away in his sleep…
back home in our cozy apartment.

On the coldest Winter day.

I knew it was coming.
Every day with him this past year felt like a gift.
But no matter how much we prepare,
saying goodbye is never easy.

He was mischievous and stubborn,
but he was mine.
Not like a pet, but a partner in life
who taught me, challenged me,
and loved me in his own way.

And while I won't miss finding
my bed peed in after coming home late,
I will forever miss his presence, his cuddles,
and his quiet confidence.

Life is full of moments that ask us
to hold many truths at once.

Joy and heartache.
Beginnings and endings.
Holding on and letting go.

It's not always easy,
but maybe that's what makes it all
so meaningful.

We love,
even when we know 
goodbye is inevitable.

We cherish,
even when time 
feels too short.

And somehow,
even in the sadness,
there's gratitude.

For the love we've known.
For the memories that remain.
For the courage to keep our hearts open,
no matter what.

Bittersweet, yes.
But also beautiful.

With love,
Elina