I can’t go back in time. I can’t undo the wrong things that were done. I can’t give her the roles she wanted. I can’t ever write her a letter. I can’t even let her know how proud I am to be named after her. But I can give her this dedication. I can make this promise: that she might be gone, but she will never be forgotten. Mom whispers, “That was beautiful, Edie.” They all come to me, hugging me and embracing me. My parents, my uncle, my best friend. And in this moment, I feel so full. So full and loved and sure of myself. I finally know where I’m from. And I’ll carry this place and these
...more
