Healing Hearts: Reflections of love, loss, and light

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” —Winnie the Pooh Today marks 16 years since I brought my sweet Alivia into this world. Time has flown by, yet it feels like just yesterday when I held her tiny, delicate fingers in mine. The pain of losing a child never truly goes away; it's an ache that nestles deep within your heart, a void that can never be filled. But on this bittersweet day, I want to honor and cherish the beautiful memories of my sweet girl, for she made me a mother—a gift I'll forever hold dear. This morning, I woke up with a heavy heart. Emotions are overwhelming, and the memories flood my mind. I can't help but wonder who she would be now—what dreams she would chase, what passions would ignite her soul, and what kind of woman she'd have blossomed into. What kind of big sister would she be? The "what-ifs" and "could-have-beens" are a constant companion in this journey of loss. This year's milestone in my...

In six days, my sweet girl will be turning sweet 16. I should be busy planning the final details of her birthday party, making sure everything is perfect for her big day. Instead, I'm sitting here, journaling and putting the finishing touches on a poem I've been working on for the last few weeks. I haven’t written poetry like this since Alivia passed away. Back then, it was a crucial part of my therapy, a way to process the overwhelming emotions. Recently, I've found myself turning back to it, finding peace and healing in the words. As her birthday approaches, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. Time has softened the sharp edges of my grief, but the sorrow and her absence are constants. Some days, I can mask the pain and get through the day with a smile. Other days, I’m a complete mess, overwhelmed by the weight of my loss. No matter what, I miss my sweet girl every single day. Writing this poem has been a way for me to connect with those feelings and honor Alivia's ...

   Fourteen years ago, you entered this world and transformed every part of my existence . Your arrival filled my heart with joy and wonder. Hearing your first cry was a miraculous moment I'll never forget; an instant bond was created between mother and daughter.  You’ve blossomed into such an extraordinary young lady. Your compassion, kindness, and bravery are evident in everything you do. Your outer beauty is matched only by the brilliance of your spirit. Watching your self-confidence grow this past year has been magical. Your new "swagger" lights up my world and fills my heart with pride. You’re finding your passions, dreaming about the future, and becoming an intelligent, funny, and empathetic young woman. Your wit and sense of humor brighten my days, and when you borrow my clothes, it’s both flattering and a reminder of how fast you’re growing up. I still see glimpses of the little girl you once were, especially when something excites you, and I cherish those moment...

Today is July 1st, and this month always brings a flood of emotions for me. It's the month I first became a mother, a moment that filled my heart with indescribable joy. But it’s also the month when I faced the unimaginable loss of my daughter, Alivia, a loss that still echoes through my life. Earlier this week, I heard a song with the lyric, “We aren’t angry at you love, you are our greatest loss.” Those words struck a chord deep within me because they capture the essence of my grief and love. As much as it hurts, July will always be the month I became a mother to my sweet girl, Alivia. Her memory is a blend of profound pain and boundless love. July also brought me another beautiful gift – Alivia’s sister. Her arrival brought light into a month that once felt consumed by sorrow. Now, I find solace in knowing they share a birth month. It’s a special bond they have, a silent connection that brings me comfort and a sense of peace. This month stirs a whirlwind of emotions within me – ...