Letter to Skylar Rose

My Sweet Skylar,

I’m so sorry, beautiful girl… sorry I didn’t fight harder — sooner. Sorry I didn’t reach out more, didn’t come visit sooner, didn’t take the time to truly know you the way I wish I had. I’m sorry for every moment I missed and every chance I didn’t take. Most of all, I’m sorry that someone as bright and full of love as you had to walk such a hard and painful road.

But even in that heartbreak, I am so incredibly proud to call you family. In the brief but precious time I got to see your smile, hear your laugh even while you were sleeping, and spend time with your amazing mommy, daddy, Nini, and Pop, I saw a strength in you that moved mountains. And I saw that same strength shining through the people who love you most. You were brave beyond words — stronger than anyone should ever have to be — and your spirit will forever live in the hearts of all who love you.

I promise you this, sweet girl: this cousin of yours will never stop fighting for your family. I’ll never stop fighting for our family. Even though you’re no longer here to hold, I know you’re close — watching over them, and all of us, with that radiant smile. I can almost see you now — dancing and singing in Heaven, playing with your rubber duckies, painting skies with the most beautiful colors imaginable.

And I make you one more promise, Skylar: I will not stop. Not now, not ever. I will fight for every single child facing this cruel illness. I will speak their names, share their stories, and push for change — for you, for our family, and for every little warrior who deserves more time, more hope, and more miracles. Until my very last breath, I’ll carry this fight within me.

I’ll carry you within me.

With all my love,

Your Cousin Lexi