When Grief Interrupts Your Day—and Teaches You What Matters Most

A few weeks ago, I received news that shattered my heart.

A friend’s wife passed away after months in the ICU. She left behind her husband, her family—and a newborn baby.

I’ve known her husband, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law for over 20 years. I didn’t know her well—only from a distance—but I had seen pictures of their baby, and I had heard her name spoken in love.

And yet, when the message came, my entire body reacted. My heart hurt.

The day changed. I felt distant. Unfocused. I had a big project I was excited about—and suddenly, it didn’t matter anymore. I didn’t care about the deadline. I didn’t care about the opportunity.

Later that evening, I found myself scrolling through pictures of this beautiful woman and her sweet baby. And it hit me:

A soft-toned photo of a candle burning with blurred background

I was grieving.

Not just for a family I knew from a distance. But for that baby.

Because the truth is—she’ll never know her mom.

Yes, she’ll be deeply loved. She’ll be supported by a family who will give her the world.

But something inside me ached because loss like that is not something you can reason away.

We live in a world where people try to rush you out of pain.

They say,

“At least the baby was born.”

“At least you still have family.”

“At least...”

As if that “at least” is supposed to patch a heart that’s been broken.

But Jesus never said, “Be strong and get over it.”

He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

He invites us in our grief. In our brokenness.He doesn’t ask us to fix our face or silence our tears.

He heals the brokenhearted. He binds up their wounds.

That day I allowed myself to feel that grief.

To sit with the ache I felt for my friend. For his wife.

But mostly—for their baby.

That’s where my heart lives: with the children.

And if you’ve been around me long enough, you know this:

Everything I do—this blog, the encouragement, the stories—it’s all so we can become better, stronger, softer, and more whole women.

Because emotionally healthy moms raise emotionally healthy children.

And when we show up with awareness, healing, and purpose, we shape the next generation.

Friend, whatever season you’re in—grief, joy, confusion, ambition—know this: you don’t have to do it alone.

There’s space here for you to process, heal, and grow.

And if you’re someone who wants to become the best version of yourself—not just for you, but for your family—I’d love to invite you to stay connected.

Serene landscape of a rocky lakeshore at dusk, with gentle ripples on the water and silhouetted trees under a cloudy sky.

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