03/18/2026
Losing Anna has been the worst thing that could happen to me, yet it propelled me onto a path I never thought I could imagine.
The grief over Anna’s death has been unbearable, yet here I am. The day I lost her will forever be etched into my memory. The days that followed were ones I would wish on no parent.
I didn’t think I could survive her death—or the days that came after—but here I am.
As time passed, I slowly became aware of the life I would now be leading—a life filled with pain, heartache, and unbearable sorrow. Yet within this pain, there is also joy.
I find joy in the little moments of life that often go unnoticed: sunrises, birds singing, children laughing, and the warmth of the sun on my face.
I find comfort in my family, friends, and even strangers. I see the life force in all of them, and I know that Anna lives on through them—and through me.
Anna is in everything I do and see, and even in the things I cannot see. She is the light breeze that caresses my cheek on a hard day. She is the sunshine that warms my soul, the wind that blows through my hair, and the light in my deepest sorrow.
She is my reason. For everything I do now. I know life can be unbearably hard. There are days I just want to stay in bed, days I want to give up. But then I remember Anna. For her, I allow myself to rest, but I would never give up or give in.
For Anna is life—my life—and the reason I do what I do. In a strange way, it was her death that led me to my purpose. And for that reason alone, I move forward with intention.
I love and miss you every day, Anna. But I know you are here with me, and will be with me every step of the way. Thank you for being my light.