My “WHY”- How Grief Became My Guide
It’s been a long, winding journey to get here. If you’re reading this, maybe you’re somewhere along that path too, or maybe you’re supporting someone who is. I want to share my story in the hope that it brings you comfort, inspiration, or simply the reminder that you are not alone.
Grief is hard. In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things any of us will ever go through. There’s no shortcut, no magic fix-through is really the only way. We hear about the “stages” of grief, and while those can be helpful, the truth is that everyone’s story is different. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Some days you might feel strong; other days, you might feel like you’re just barely holding it together. That’s okay.
What I’ve learned is that it’s so important to take care of yourself during this process. Rest when you need to. Reach out for support when you can. Know that, even in your loneliest moments, you are truly not alone. So many others have walked this path before us-and not only survived but found new meaning and purpose on the other side. Sometimes, loss catapults us into a new life we never expected.
That’s what happened to me. When my brother died, I was working in HR, building a career that, on paper, looked successful. But his loss changed everything. My brother was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader-a vibrant soul and passionate skydiver. I wanted to honour his life, not just mourn his loss. I searched for ways to celebrate the adventures he lived, the laughter he shared, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
After his celebration of life, so many people reached out, asking how we created such a meaningful tribute. Their questions inspired me to write my book, Celebration of Life Ideas, to help others focus on remembering and celebrating the lives of those they love. Along the way, I realized how difficult it was to find guest books that truly reflected someone’s passions-like my brother’s love for skydiving. That’s why I began designing guest books that capture the unique stories and interests of every person remembered.
This journey has led me to become a celebrant. Now, I have the privilege of helping families create ceremonies that are as unique as their loved ones. I believe in the power of stories-to heal, to connect, to remind us that our loved ones mattered and that their legacy lives on in the telling.
If you’re grieving, please know that you’re not alone. Take care of yourself. Reach out when you need to. And remember sharing and retelling stories matters. We will always need stories-because they are how we remember, how we heal, and how we find our way forward.
With warmth and hope,