“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry🌻 🍭 🍎 💙

Yesterday, my world changed forever with the passing of Brayden, a bright and joyful student whose presence over the past three years brought immense happiness to my life.

Just two weeks shy of his 12th birthday, Brayden's untimely departure has left a void that I struggle to comprehend.

As I grapple with this profound loss, I turn to "The Little Prince," one of my favorite stories offering timeless lessons on love, loss, and invisible bonds.

Brayden, much like the Little Prince, saw the world with his heart, imparting lessons that will stay with me forever.

Lessons from "The Little Prince"

1. Understanding the Initial Shock:
The sudden loss of Brayden mirrors the pilot's crash in the Sahara Desert—a disorienting and isolating shock. Brayden, like the Little Prince, taught me to see with the heart. He loved eating apples (and peanut butter) during our Hebrew tutoring lessons. These moments are invaluable treasures, invisible yet deeply felt.

2. Embracing Mindfulness in Grief:
Mindfulness involves being present and accepting our emotions. "The Little Prince" reminds us to look beyond the surface and cherish what is essential. In my grief, I honor Brayden by remembering the joyful moments we shared, like his enthusiasm for learning Jewish blessings and prayers.

3. Coping with Pain:
Coping with loss requires embracing the pain and finding ways to heal. The Little Prince learns that love and loss are intertwined. Similarly, I find comfort in the love I shared with Brayden. Planting an apple tree in his memory symbolizes growth and the nurturing of his legacy.

4. "One Sees Clearly Only with the Heart":
The fox's lesson emphasizes the importance of relationships and the unique bonds we form. Brayden's dedication to our lessons exemplifies our deep connection, helping me cope by cherishing the love we shared.

5. Apples Are Everywhere:
Apples symbolize knowledge, temptation, and wisdom. From Adam and Eve to Apple computers, apples represent pivotal moments. Brayden's favorite Hebrew word, "tapuach," means apple, reminding me of life's sweetness and simplicity.

A Living Tribute to Brayden:

Two days before his passing, I bought an apple tree. Now planted outside my studio, it stands as Brayden's tree, a living memorial.

The apple tree is a daily reminder of his presence.

May Brayden's memory be a blessing and his legacy continue to inspire us to see with the heart.

You can read the entire essay on Medium.