The Memories of Ivy

The Arcadia boy with the etched bird on his chest

I still remember it like it was yesterday
You sitting criss-cross on the carpet
Playing Super Mario on your Game Cube
The sunshine spin-off, more specifically
It brings back memories
Watching the gameplay reruns of it

I've never properly played Super Mario
Never wanted, never intend
I was more into the pocket monsters
Preferring the electric yellow mouse
Over the Italian plumber and his brother

You were family to me and so special
Your voice was different from other boys
A distinct coarse gravel
I miss it
And I miss you

One day I paid a visit to you in Cali
And you tagged along with my family and I
To Six Flags
I had so much energy that day
Dancing in the wait lines
Flashing a smile in every picture
You were smiling as well
Yours was slightly forced, but also unique
Little did I know, it would be
The last I ever saw of you

The news came up
In an email from my dad
You were hospitalized
I didn't know what to do
I could only pray
That you survive the night
And make it to tomorrow

But you didn't
You took God's hand days later
I sat alone, isolate, didn't speak for hours
I knew in my heart, you were up there
Looking down, and wishing me love
I wish you love and all the best up there
I love you

***

Reflection: so this is the first time I'm writing about a boy. This boy was my cousin, and I loved him like a older brother. There aren't many memories I had of him, as I didn’t get to see him often. He lived in California, and I was in Washington, so getting the chance to see him was rare.

One summer, my dad took the family, with the exception of mom, on a road trip. One of the stops was in Arcadia, California, where some of my dad's family lived. There, I got to see my cousin and I missed him so much. This hot summer day, he came with us to go to Six Flags, and we had an amazing time there. I kept a picture from that day, in which he wore a black and green striped Hollister polo and was smiling so happily.

Fall of that same year, I was informed he was unexpectedly hospitalized and not long after, he passed away. He was only 22. I never went to his funeral, and it was a choice I completely regretted making because I loved him and missed him so much. He didn't deserve to die the way he did, and I wish he knew how much I loved him.

I love you, Barron! Rest in peace, cuz.