When I was 9 years old, my best friend was murdered. We had been playing in her bedroom the day before she was murdered there. When my parents told me, I screamed and cried, my head was spinning. In the aftermath, I struggled with overwhelming emotions and a sense of profound loss. I lost my confidant, someone I could share things with. I felt alone and feared what the future looked like.

I floundered for many years, then, as an adult, I knew I needed to take action and reclaim my life. I talked, researched, and worked my way through the process of dealing with the profound grief I was experiencing. With many words of wisdom from many people who helped me, and endless learning, I moved on and redefined who I am.

My life is different now. I have joy back in my life, and I have my friend in my heart and remember her with affection. I continued with the plans we made, and feel strong and confident in creating my new future.

This journey has had such a huge impact on the way I live my life after loss, that I now want to share it with others to help them process their grief and move forward in a positive and meaningful way.