Miss all three of you. Save a place for me

June has become a month of profound reflection and mixed emotions for me. Each anniversary brings a wave of memories — the joyous milestones and the heartbreaking losses — all intertwined in a tapestry of life’s fragility. When I look back on the years that have passed, especially the events marked in June, I realize how essential it is to cherish every moment with those we love. Surviving a severe automobile accident that broke every bone in my face and crushed my hip fundamentally changed my perspective. From the depths of pain and recovery came an unwavering appreciation for life and the precious time we have. The day I survived is now a celebration of resilience and the grace that kept me going. Losing my childhood friend Beth, someone like a sister, was my first encounter with the heavy weight of grief. Her absence left a void that's felt every day, yet her memory continues to inspire warmth and love. Similarly, the tragic loss of my stepson Jonathan on the same day years later shattered what little sense of normalcy I had left. His passing is a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be, and how vital it is to hold our loved ones close. Then came the heartbreaking news about Courtnie, my niece, who bravely fought cancer before leaving behind her beautiful baby boy. Though her battle ended too soon, the legacy of love she left behind lives on through her child — a true blessing in the midst of sorrow. Putting into words the depth of these experiences is never easy, but sharing stories like this can be a source of comfort for anyone dealing with loss. Remembering those who have passed is not just about pain; it’s also about celebrating their lives and the impact they had on us. It’s about holding a place for them in our hearts and keeping their memories alive. If you are going through a similar journey of grief, I encourage you to embrace the complex emotions that come with it. Allow yourself to remember, to mourn, but also to find moments of joy in the legacies left behind. Save a place in your heart for those you miss—they shape who we are and remind us of the preciousness of every day we have together.