I say it a lot – I am so thankful I have given myself permission to mourn over this past year. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how much I miss Richard. He is never far from my thoughts. But I truly believe that I am healing my heart because I have not pushed down my feelings. I know it makes some people uncomfortable and others probably wish I would stop being so open about this grief journey. But how others perceive how I’m handling my grief is not my problem. I’m not saying that to be negative; I’m stating it as a fact.

Readers, if you are in the midst of grief, I hope you will give yourself time and space to mourn in ways that heal your heart and soul. If you are supporting someone who is mourning, continue to support them as they travel their road if grief.