A Quiet Light Through His Drawings

Enzo was never the type to ask for much. While many kids would eagerly request the fancy toy, trendy clothes, or latest gadgets, he stood apart in his quiet simplicity. He was content with what he had. When he received allowance or gift money, he handled it with remarkable thoughtfulness, carefully saving up to buy something only if he truly wanted it. There was wisdom in his young heart, that most adults spend a lifetime trying to achieve.

But as time passed, we started noticing something different. The spark in his eyes began to dim. The things that once brought him joy didn’t seem to interest him anymore. It was as if a fog had settled over his usually bright world. We watched, worried, unsure of how to reach him, how to help him rediscover the light he used to carry so effortlessly.

His friends began to express their concerns, sharing stories of how they too had noticed the change, each of us feeling helpless in the face of his growing withdrawal. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air. We longed to understand the battles he was facing within himself, the thoughts that clouded his mind and stole away his joy. In our hearts, we held onto the hope that he would find his way back to us, that the fog would lift and the spark would return.

It was during this time that I decided to surprise him with a digital drawing tablet, something he had previously expressed interest in. It wasn’t just a gift. I used it as a gentle nudge, a silent invitation back to something that used to bring him joy. He had always been talented at drawing, but the challenges of his teenage years and the unforeseen weight of the pandemic had caused that passion to recede into the background.

When he received the tablet, he didn’t need say much, his eyes spoke a gentle smile. And in the days that followed, we began to notice that he took the time to independently learn the software, experimenting with different techniques and slowly teaching himself how to use this new tool. Slowly, he started drawing again.

What came next was more than we could have hoped for. He set up his IG @unrealloredraws, solely for his drawings. While they might appear as mere sketches to some, for those of us who knew Enzo, every line carried significance. Those drawings turned into a quiet language, a glimpse into his thoughts, emotions, and above all, his resilience. They said things he couldn’t always express in words. They reflected his struggles and attempts to hold on to hope amidst the chaos he felt inside. They were his way of telling us, “I’m still here.” And in a world that often fails to listen closely enough, he found a way to speak.

Even for a short while… thank you, ahya, for your fight to survive. For letting us see your heart through your art. For enduring as long as you did. We will cherish you always, your courage, your gentleness, your creativity. You are and will forever be our sonshine. I love you to infinity and beyond. 😘❤️🐼

#mysonshine #familylove #mentalhealthmatters #rememberingEnzo