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 as I knew it was flipped upside down forever.

 

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

 

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

 

Moving forward, not moving on. Feeling grief 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.