My journey into supporting those who grieve began with a series of losses during my childhood. I lost three first cousins, and the impact on my family was profound. I watched my aunts and uncles, the parents of the children who were lost, and their other children struggle quietly. Some withdrew into themselves, forever changed, while others grappled with moving forward.

Seeing this early on showed me how isolating and tough grief can be. The silent suffering I witnessed shaped my desire to help others navigate their own losses. Then, in April 2024, I lost my mother after years of anticipatory grief due to terminal illness, adding another layer to my understanding of sorrow.