LibbyJuneWeintraub ✨

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GABRIELA

Wow, 19 years sure flies by fast….
It feels like yesterday you were 5 years old, all smiles and laughter, sitting in a pile of color, on the living-room floor in your Snow White dress, blowing out the candles on your birthday cake that your mum made.

Your grandmother was still alive then, my mother, who surely is shining her brightest today in celebration of you.

You are so brave. I remember that afternoon in the cafe when I spoke about caterpillars and how they transform into butterflies and how when people pass away they go through a similar process and you just looked at me with your big eyes and smiled. I thought the story would be helpful, but something’s don’t need to be helped, they need to be felt and that look in your eyes told me everything.

I will never forget the long trip you took from Perth to LA on your own at 15, and how your face was all flush with excitement when I picked you up at the airport. Nor will I forget, the massive smile on your uncle Scooters face when we opened the front door to the house.

I remember these special moments and cherish them all. The poetry cafe in the east Village, The ferry to the Statue of Liberty and the horse ride in Central Park with Meredith. Breakfast at The Bowery Hotel, your first bagel. Three days in and out of court houses learning about law, as you felt into the possibility of it being your calling.

It feels like a dream and yet here you are, a young woman, finding your way and following your heart, not the crowd. Your first year in college studying psychology and neuroscience. Wow!

You are an amazing friend, a cherished sister to Olivia, a beloved daughter, a devoted girlfriend to Dash, a cousin, my niece and my dear, sweet friend, the kindest of souls.

In your eyes, I see and feel all the goodness that ever was, living inside you. The light you were born with burns brightly still.

I am so inspired by your honesty and your bravery, and your warmth towards others but mostly, your warmth towards yourself - because it’s something I’ve spent a lifetime cultivating and here you are already orienting yourself towards it.

Happy Birthday Gabriella, I love you!!