Day 366

Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of my beloved daughter, Constance. Constance was a happy child. She filled her eight short years of life with swimming, reading, dancing, and smiling.

Thank you for loving me through this. Without the love and support of the community I wouldn't have survived.

Over the last year, I have learned a lot. I’ve learned how much I love and miss Constance. I’ve learned who my friends and family are. I’ve learned what strength really looks and feels like. I’ve learned that everything and everyone can remind you of one person.

I’ve come to realize that my life isn’t about a happy ending. It’s about allowing, or even forcing, yourself to have happy moments despite the incredible pain that comes with loss.

When you have a broken heart, the instinctive thing to do is to turn inside—to protect and insulate yourself. You think if you never let anyone in then you can’t be hurt like that again. We are not here to hide. We are here to love each other bravely. Every relationship you ever have will end. Despite that, you have to be courageous and you have to open your heart. Otherwise, what is the point?