I know that the definition of “normal” will change and evolve into a new normal. Life as we’ve known it since we were born will never be the same.

We are lucky to be wrapped in the love and support of so many extended family members and friends over the last 13 days. We are lucky to have had each other to lean on and share our grief with. I cannot imagine how much harder the last few days would have been if we didn’t have the comfort of our family members’ arms around us. They have allowed us to break down, they have held us as we’ve tried to pick up the pieces and I know they are standing by us as we try and move on…….

“Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” –Vicki Harrison

Grief is personal. We will all process it together as a family but we will also process it individually, within ourselves.

If we did not have this grief right now, it would mean that Papa is still here. And if Papa were still here, it would mean that he was still suffering. I find strength and peace in reminding myself that it is more important that he is pain free. And if the price I must pay for him to not suffer is to have this heavy grief, so be it.

“Grief is heavy, but we carry it with grace”

Because that’s what Papa would have wanted us to do.