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From the sweetness of sugar to everything that brings emotional sweetness to the heart and soul, that we call our loved ones "sweet" is a tribute to human nature. Our ability to see these connections, to short-circuit our own brains by using the same word for such disparate concepts, is writ large in our use of words. For when we use a word with dual definitions, the brain triggers all definitions at first, before choosing the intended one. In this moment the natural addiction to sugar helps to keep our loving bonds strong, to enhance our addictions to relationships that are good and nurturing.

He was the sweetest of children, always ready to lend a hand, always quick with a giggle, often followed by a generous laugh. His spirit was our sugar, he was every wish come true that we never knew we should wish for.

She was sweet because she elevated others, because she listened and held their emotions as if they were a fragile and sacred thing.