Avery Janine Willoughby

Sixteen years. A lifetime of love, but nowhere near enough time.

How do we find the words to honor someone who was our entire world? How do you capture the beauty, brilliance, laughter, and extraordinary spirit of a girl who had only just begun to discover all that life had waiting for her?

Avery was truly one of a kind. Brilliant, beautiful, fiercely independent, kind, passionate, generous, and wonderfully sassy. She had the biggest, most beautiful blue eyes, a smile that could light up a room, and a laugh that will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her. Her quick wit, remarkable intelligence, and ability to make people laugh were unmistakably Avery.

From the time she was a baby, there was something extraordinary about her. Even as a toddler, her intelligence, curiosity, and awareness of the world around her were impossible to miss. She had a wisdom beyond her years, a mind that never ceased to amaze, and a personality that was entirely her own.

Avery was strong-willed, wonderfully stubborn, and unapologetically herself. She knew her own mind, had her own opinions, and wasn't afraid to share them. She was fierce in her convictions, passionate about the things she loved, and possessed a beautiful balance of strength and tenderness.

Her heart was every bit as extraordinary as her mind. Avery was a giver in the truest sense. She gave her time, her attention, and her friendship freely. She made sure her friends had lunch, made time for those who needed her, and understood the importance of simply showing up for someone. Her kindness wasn't something she just talked about. It was something she lived.

She loved her family, her friends, art, music, and the countless little things that made life beautiful. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into memories, for making people laugh with her quick wit, and for making those around her feel that they mattered.

To her mom, Avery was not only a daughter but a best friend. Their relationship was built on trust, laughter, honesty, endless conversations, and the occasional teenage sass. Avery shared her world openly, sought advice, and knew her mom would always be there, not just for her but for her friends, too. They had their own silly inside jokes, understood when the other needed space, and shared a closeness that was as natural as it was extraordinary.

And then there were the cuddles. The ridiculous number of hugs and snuggles her parents were always seeking, which Avery lovingly tolerated, perhaps with an eye roll or a little sass as she got older. Those moments, her voice, her smile, her laughter, and the simple comfort of having her close are treasures beyond measure.

At just sixteen, Avery had barely begun to scratch the surface of the incredible life ahead of her. She had so much more to experience, discover, accomplish, and become. There is no doubt that this brilliant, determined, fiercely passionate girl could have moved mountains. She had the intelligence, courage, independence, and spirit to do anything she set her mind to.

The world deserved more of Avery. And Avery deserved so much more of the world.

But beyond all the things she was and all the extraordinary things she might have become, Avery was our daughter. Our beautiful, precious girl. Every part of her was perfect to us. Every stubborn opinion, every witty remark, every burst of laughter, every bit of sass, every hug, and every piece of her enormous heart.

Avery, we were given sixteen years with you, but we needed a lifetime.

We needed more mornings hearing your voice, more late-night conversations, more inside jokes, more laughter, more cuddles you pretended not to love, and more time watching you become the extraordinary woman we knew you would be.

We had so many more memories to make, so many conversations left to have, so many hugs to give, and so much life we were supposed to share.

Although our time together was heartbreakingly short, we will forever be your parents. That is something not even death can take from us.

We will never stop saying your name. We will never stop talking to you, talking about you, telling your stories, and keeping every beautiful part of you alive. We will carry you into every tomorrow, honor you every day, and love you with every breath we take.

We will spend the rest of our lives honoring you, missing you, loving you, and waiting for the day we can hold you again.

All we got was sixteen years, and we needed a lifetime.

Until we meet again, our beautiful girl.

We love you to infinity and beyond, forever and ever, beyond measure, beyond treasure, and beyond the fish pond.