What is one way you honor your grief?

This past year I turned 39 - the age my mom was when she passed away. It was an unsettling feeling to become older than my mom. I planned a cruise with friends for the week I officially became older than her, as a way to honor her life and the life I get to continue living. Life does not stop when you are grieving, and grief will continue to pop up in different ways throughout the years. I enjoy looking at photos and talking about memories I have of her, while continuing to live life in a way that I feel she would want for me.

What is one activity that you and your loved one would enjoy doing together?

My mom enjoyed doing crafts and sometimes we would do a craft together. I've kept a love of crafting as an adult, but I am not always skilled at finishing each craft I start!

What is a food you and your loved one would share together? 

Occasionally, my mom and I would go out to eat one-on-one. I always enjoyed this special time with just the two of us. It wasn't anywhere fancy or a specific food, but it always felt like a special event and a day of just us.

What is one word you would use to describe Brooke's Place?

Belonging. To me, the magic of Brooke's Place is that kids get to meet other kids who have lost a family member. Grief as a child, teen, or even young adult can feel very isolating, as you may not know anyone else who has experienced a major loss. Being in a room full of people who have also had a loss makes you feel less alone.

What is your history/story/connection to Brooke's Place?

My mom passed away unexpectedly when I was 14 and I attended a grief support group program in Cincinnati that I later volunteered for. When I came to Indianapolis in 2003 to attend Butler University, I found Brooke's Place at a community fair on campus. I immediately knew it was an organization that I wanted to volunteer for, as the organization that I attended in Cincinnati had such an impact on my own grief journey. I have been volunteering with Brooke's Place since 2004. I have served on C, B, and now F nights with 10-12 year olds and teens.