“I Am Deliberate and Afraid of Nothing.” – Audre Lorde
These words hold immense power for me. They remind me to live with intention, to face life’s challenges head-on, and to embrace my vulnerability as a source of strength. Lorde’s words inspire me to navigate my grief with courage and to find empowerment in every aspect of my life. This quote resonates deeply with me, as it encapsulates the strength and courage it takes to live a life marked by both grief and joy.
Today marks a deeply significant day for me. It is cemented as the day I lost my beloved 7-year-old daughter, and while the grief of that loss never goes away and never gets easier, it has taught me profound lessons about life and love.
Grief is a constant companion, but I’ve learned that it’s possible to live alongside it. Living with grief means embracing life with an even greater passion. It means celebrating every moment, no matter how small, and finding joy in the present. I am thankful for the life I have led, with all its ups and downs, because it has shaped me into the person I am today.
I’m immensely grateful for my daughters. They have shown me the true meaning of unconditional love and have been my guiding light. My eldest’s memory inspires me every day to live fully and with purpose. Her short life had a profound impact, and I honor her by living each day in gratitude. The power of remembering her keeps her spirit alive in my heart, fueling my drive to embrace each day.
To truly live is to appreciate every sunrise, to find beauty in the mundane, and to love fiercely. It’s about acknowledging the pain but choosing to focus on the blessings.
A Yoruba proverb reminds us, “The child who is carried on the back does not know how far the journey is.” This speaks to the innocence and impact of our children’s lives, no matter how brief. Celebrating life means recognizing the miracles in the everyday and being thankful for the people who touch our lives. It means living in a state of gratitude, understanding that every breath is a gift. My daughters have taught me that love transcends time and space, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
To all who are grieving, know that it’s okay to feel the pain and to carry it with you. It’s a testament to the love you hold. In that love, we find the strength to move forward, to live, and to remember.
No matter how short or long their lives, I am proud to say that I have raised daughters who are deliberate and afraid of nothing. Their courage and spirit inspire me daily, and their legacy is one of strength, love, and unyielding resilience.
Rest well my heavenly angel and live well my earthly one.
With love and gratitude,
Jacquelyn