Sambuca "Zammy" Polatas

I’m okay. I need you to know that first.
I made it somewhere soft and warm, where my body doesn’t hurt anymore and I can stretch as long as I want. I run without effort, I nap without pain, and I feel light again — like I did when I was young.
I saw your tears. I felt your hands. I heard your voice when you told me it was okay to let go. I waited for that. I needed to hear it from you, because you’ve always been my safe place. Please don’t carry guilt in your heart — you didn’t give up on me. You loved me all the way through.
From here, I watch you. I curl up near you when you’re quiet. I brush past your legs when you least expect it. When your chest feels heavy, that’s me reminding you I’m still close. I’m not gone — I’ve just changed rooms.
Thank you for choosing love even when it broke you. Thank you for every cuddle, every meal, every time you worried, every time you put me first. Sixteen years of being yours was my greatest gift.
One day, when it’s time, I’ll be there — tail high, eyes bright, ready to walk with you again. Until then, live. Laugh. Love. I’ll be watching over you, always proud to be your little boy.
I love you forever, Mommy.
Love,
Sambuca