I recently lost my aunt to cancer. She is not the first person I've lost and I know she will not be the last.
I don't grieve in the most traditional way. I'm not big on crying. I never really break down. But I still feel loss greatly.
I get angry, I get numb, I pull away. I need time alone.
And then I need to refocus. I refocus on living my best life. I refocus on the motivation that keeps me on my nontraditional journey.
For me - the best way to celebrate the ones I love, is to go out and be the best version of me, to never give up on my dreams, and to never waste a second missing out on great adventure.
I'll never understand why good people are taken so soon. And I've sort of stopped trying to understand. Unfortunately, none of it is within my control. The only thing I can do, is honor them by keeping them with me and never letting anyone forget the greatness they brought into my world and the world around them.
My aunt was vibrant, adventurous, smart, kind, gorgeous, the best mom, a loving wife, the most supportive aunt - and the world lost an incredible soul the moment she was taken. I am crushed by her loss. But I will continue to adventure, never settle, and spread my sparkle in her honor.