My daughter Maribella was a chatterbox. At four, this is not unheard of as any parent can attest to.  There were times though she looked deep in thought.  We would often ask, hey Bells, what are you thinking about?  She would always say, “I’m thinking, I’m thinking.  I’m thinking of a park!  Mommy/daddy, can we go to a park today?”  I think this is why this picture is one of my favorites.  She was fearless in them, making me quiver as the swing went higher and higher.  She had her dads athletic ability, confidence, and grace. This picture also makes me pause.  There is something ethereal about it, freeing, like she is already flying.

This blog is dedicated to anyone whose world has been upended via a loss or a tragedy.  It will be raw, honest, probably challenging to read, and filled with curse words at times, well most times. People have told me many times, when they read what I write, it helps them have more compassion and insight into what I am going through. It often helps them put words to some of what they are feeling.  I am not shy with my words nor exposing my feelings. It has been an integral part of this journey.  My hope is that if you have someone in your life going through tough times, it will help you understand and if you yourself are going through something, you will know you are not alone.