This was a very hard listen for me, but like Colin mentions, you have to lean into that pain. I lost my mom in 2018, after watching her slowly decline over 20 years from multiple sclerosis, ultimately leaving her completely wheelchair bound. Six months after her passing, my younger sister, 33 at the time, was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Within a year she was gone also. The worst part was that she died in April 2020 when everyone was in true covid lockdowns. We didn't have a funeral for a year and a half. Not gathering for a formal ceremony was extremely hard and only added to our grief and disbelief. I loved the descriptions of the Jewish traditions, which seem so helpful.

But I respectfully disagree with Colin's statement that he doesn't like when people say "everything happens for a reason." No, there is no reason your loved one is dead. Instead, I believe that saying speaks to the reason you are still living. His reason was for him to reach people and help them with their grief through writing his book. His reason is helping foster children find a loving home and a brighter future.

The deaths in my family have inspired me to live more consciously and never take anything for granted. I hug my children tighter. I am focused on our family first when making decisions. I live the cliche phrase "live like you were dying". If today is to be my last day, I know I will made the most of every second up until this point. That's the reason tragedies happen sometimes. To remind us to live.