Oct 25, 2011

Joy Funtila Larsen


The world misses you Tita Joy,
but you are forever in our hearts.

I have been meaning to write this post for weeks, but it just didn't seem real + I couldn't find the right words. I still can't because there are none. 
That October day, one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known left our world for another. She left us a beautiful baby girl named Caitlin Marie Joy Larsen, but she will forever stay in our hearts and in our memories. Here's a little message I would like to leave for her:



Dear Tita Joy,
 In life there is struggle, deceit, darkness and then there are people like you.

Just yesterday I could picture my adolescent self running around chasing boys while you and the other Filipina instructors tried to calm us down enough to teach us choreography for a dance. I remember always loving when you taught us. You were always so kind and so patient and you really did dance beautifully. At a young age I knew how kind hearted of a person you were. Everyone knew. Every hug you gave me was filled with warmth and care and even if it was never said, I knew you loved each and everyone of us. I never had a chance to tell you how much I looked up to you as a little girl, I still do. I remember your patience, your modesty, your smile and your big heart. Thank you for being there while I was growing up. I know we haven't been in each others lives in the last few years or so, but you will forever remain in my heart and your family in my prayers.

I know they are struggling without you. Every person and life you touched is struggling.

I pray for your beautiful family. I pray for every person whose lives you've ever touched. I pray for Cade, Ian, Caitlin and pray they have as much strength as you did. I pray for Tito Carl who will continue the beautiful life you both created. It was difficult seeing them lose someone so loving and strong, but I know you're looking down and watching over them. I know you will do your best to protect them from any more of life's harm. Caitlin will grow up around one strong family and will be a great of a woman as you were. Don't worry, she is in great hands.

You touched lives through your kindness, your dance and your heart. You made a difference in this world and let it shine just a little bit brighter. Everyone truly misses you. 

In life there is beauty, struggle, happiness, darkness and then there is lost.
See you someday.

Infinite love,

14 comments:

  1. my prayers and hugs go out to you, friend. she seems like an amazing person!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry to hear about your Tita Joy - your tribute to her is so heartfelt and it is clear that she is an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow what a heartfelt post that brought tears to my eyes. Lovely, thank you for sharing

    xoxo
    molliee

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh, this is so heartfelt. sending you many hugs. xxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  5. </3 so sad. What a lovely post you sent out to her. I hope you're doing as good as can be expected.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so sorry for your loss, you'll be in my prayers! This was such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute that you wrote to her. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  7. this is just so thoughtful and loving. my condolences and prayers for your loss! I also just experienced a loss this past week....and have also been trying to put together a post in memory of her...but it seems so surreal, hasn't really hit me. amazing letter, and she, her baby, and family will be in my prayers :)

    <3Amanda
    feast.fashion.faves
    FB!
    TWEET ME!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Melissa. Remember the things that your Tita JOy inspire you, and then inspire someone and then that someone will inspire someone. I loveyou. Tita Grace

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a lovely post Melissa! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and her family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. beautiful letter. sorry to hear of your loss.

    Lindsay

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh wow... So tough. I said a prayer for you.
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. praying for you and sending hugs. losing loved ones is tough. xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news, melissa. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and her family. J recently lost one of his good buddies who died in a car crash and when we attended the wake it was heartbreaking. But it reminds me to treasure the ones we still have around us even more.

    ReplyDelete