This is John.

 

The one who started all of this.

 

He had the biggest heart in the whole world and the prettiest green eyes. His voice was a gentle and soothing sound, much like the waves of the ocean that he loved so much. He gave the warmest hugs and would’ve done anything to make you laugh. He was special.

 

But he died at just fifty-six years old due to sudden cardiac arrest. And my life was completely flipped upside down forever.

 

I think it’s so important for all of us to talk about who or what we’ve lost and to connect with one another through our grief.

 

It’s not only a way to keep the people and the things that we love alive, but it also reminds us that we’re still alive, too, and that we have all the power we need to make beauty out of such tragedy.

 

Moving forward, not moving on. Feeling loss in every season, both the beautiful and the heart-wrenching. Growing somehow, inevitably, into something new. And hopefully, if we’re lucky, a little bit better, too.