
Wishing my brother, Chris, a happy heavenly birthday 💙 Chris would’ve been 32 today. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two years since he passed. Chris was funny and full of life. He loved making people laugh, reggae music, Chevy trucks, and spending time with those he cared about. He loved his daughter more than anything in the world and would’ve done anything to make her happy. He was creative in his own way, always building things from whatever he could find. He was the handyman you’d call if something needed fixing or the friend you’d go to when you needed someone to listen or talk to. He was unapologetically himself. He never changed who he was for anyone’s approval, which at times could make him a menace, pushing everyone’s buttons, especially mine. But hey, that’s what big brothers do. Chris had been there since the day I was born. We were only 14 months apart. We were often mistaken for twins even though we couldn’t have been more different. We fought like siblings do, but beneath it all was love, always love. We knew no matter what happened in life that we would always have each other... I just never imagined I’d have to say goodbye so soon. Losing Chris changed me in ways I’m still trying to understand. Nearly two years later, the grief still feels fresh, and I often find myself stuck in those moments from that night. For a long time, I tried to keep my grief separated, believing it was the only way to stay “professional” and protect myself from judgment. But hiding only made me feel more isolated, and disconnected from my art, my loved ones, and myself. I realize this grief is just a part of who I am now, as an artist and as a human being. I can’t keep pretending like it doesn’t exist, especially for others. Chris meant so much to me. Of course, losing him changed me. Of course, it’s been hard to cope. But I know if he were here, he wouldn’t want his death to be the reason I stopped living. So today, on his birthday, I honor him, his life, his laughter, and the impact he left on everyone who loved him. And I honor my own journey of learning how to live again, even with this heavy loss. Happy Birthday, Chris. I love and miss you, always. 💙
Maria | Flare works in realism (colour), neo-traditional, american traditional, new school, and realism (black & grey).