Everyone assured me that my grief would ease after a year, but it only intensified.

I couldn’t help but wonder—was there something wrong with me?

On January 5, 2022, profound sorrow and a great sadness enveloped my life, leaving me silent for a long time. I withdrew from social interactions, rarely seeing anyone except during brief encounters at the local grocery store or on an occasional walk with Aspen. When I did cross paths with someone, a polite hug might be exchanged, but words were scarce. Being around others was challenging for me. I feared that any conversation might rip open the fragile scab over my wounded heart.

We all experience the loss of loved ones throughout our lives. For most, time eventually […]