I just finished reading the book, and I cried the whole way through. Literally: tears were running down my face with every paragraph; I soaked two handkerchiefs as I read. When I got to the end–before I got to the end, actually–I wondered if Chika ever told you “You did a good job.” If not, I’d like to tell you. You did a good job.

Kenbe fèm, pa lagè!

Mark

This kind of loss, the timely kind that comes after a long life, is hard enough. But the kind that comes with a life shortchanged, as it was with your dear Chika, is a different kind of hard. One that can’t be chalked up to life running its full course. The cycle of life.

Your tribute to your girl in the way of Finding Chika is nothing short of beautiful. You write in the book that you know your after-life encounters were all in your head, but I agree with Chika. The ones we love and lose are closer than many realize, carried always in our hearts and, when we are very, very lucky, outside of our hearts, too, showing up in ways beautiful and unexpected. Some may doubt them, but not me because I have seen that the veil between heaven and earth is tissue-paper thin. I have experienced my father’s presence again and again, which compels me to write about it and this one thing I know for sure: Love lives on.

Blessings as you go, Mitch. Your writing and your heart make the world a better place. Can’t wait to meet you in Charlotte later this month.