Grief is a journey that touches every one of us at some point in our lives, whether through personal loss or supporting a grieving friend. In these moments, we want to offer comfort, but sometimes well-meaning words can cause unintended pain.

Even though this journey has been the hardest thing I’ve ever walked through, there comes a time when we can choose joy and remember the love more than the loss. Choosing joy means finding moments of happiness in the midst of sorrow, whether it’s a shared memory, or a comforting word. Remembering the love more than the loss involves focusing on the positive impact Melanie had on my life and the lives of others, rather than the pain of her absence.