You'd Never Imagine

Lessons in Love, Loss and Resilience

Twelve months prior to my daughter Alaina’s murder, I was standing in front of a close friends house at a candlelight vigil.

My friend Daryl, his son Joe, his brother and law and his nephew were all killed in a DUI accident in Northern California, where a drunk driver entered highway 80 and hit their vehicle. The only survivors were the drunk driver and Daryl’ oldest son Jared.

Back at the vigil, I was very upset and trying to hold back the tears to appear “strong” in front of my family and others, yet I was a mess. I overheard Alaina say, “why is dad crying?” I responded, “he was my friend and I have NO IDEA how they are standing there in this moment.” At the time, our dear friend Denise (Daryl’s wife) is standing with Jared and Greta, her surviving family members. They are speaking with poise and sincerity to the sea of people in front of their home.

How could they be standing there, I could never imagine being able to stand there and speak. Yet, fast forward less than a year later, it was my family and me standing in front of a sea of people. Encouraging us to be better, to love one another and to know we will be seeing her again.

Grief is different for each of us, and this grief journey takes time.

Have you ever experience loss? I am sure you have. I would love to have you email your story as it is more knowledge for my speaking and my book that is coming soon.

arik@housleyspeaks.com