I used to think you were just background in my life. The one always sitting in the same chair, always asking if I’d eaten, always slipping me a little money when you thought no one was looking.

I used to think you were just background in my life. The one always sitting in the same chair, always asking if I’d eaten, always slipping me a little money when you thought no one was looking.

I didn’t see those things as effort—I thought that was just who you were. But now I realize… those were the quiet ways you carried this family. You showed up at every birthday, every graduation, even the small moments no one else remembered. And I barely ever said thank you. But I see it now. And I don’t want another moment to pass without you knowing how much it meant. I use an app called quiet effort. It keeps me from treating your love like it was just part of the furniture, instead of the reason we all stood strong.