Happy independence day! This is the second year that I celebrate the 4th of July without my parents.

My parents are gone almost two years. My siblings have moved, all doing their own thing. My family feels fractured. I’m feeling alone, sad and disjointed. I had not made any plans for 4th and then I found myself feeling a bit lost without my parents, my core. They were always the ones we chose to spend time with, I would do it all over again, I don’t regret at thing!

I spoke with one friend, reached out to a couple of other friends,, thank you Jamie, Kerri, Sine and Storey, you really are so special and I love you.

I have been sick a lot, shingles, auto immune illnesses, all because of my state of mind, my loss. I’ve just been focusing on keeping my 13 year-old daughter happy and busy the for the first week out of school. I look up to see my handsome, kind, loving husband and my beautiful daughter ready to head out east for the day and I realize I have all that I need,

I know that I have to build a new community for myself, a new sense of family. I’m thankful for all the connections I have, and for all the family and friends who are in my life.

I’m ready to let go of the old so that I can welcome the new.

Happy 4th of July, may you feel loved, free and connected!