Understanding My Smile

I remember a lot of tears, but I don't remember crying. 

 

I recall being asked if I wanted to say anything to her as my mom was taken from her bedroom on the hospital bed, but I also remember not knowing what to say.  

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I was six years old and my Mommy had just died from cancer.  Things changed.  Home changed, life changed, and it was hard.  Even now, the good times can be tough because I still long for my mother's presence, her support, advice, and love.

 

When my grandmother died in May 2010 it rocked my world and prompted my return to school in hopes to help brighten the outcome for children who were like me...confused, vulnerable, and lonely after a loss.  I enrolled in the graduate Counseling program at Mercer University because I was exposed to grief again, but this time I was old enough to understand and I didn't like it.  My mind couldn't rest knowing there were children experiencing the emotions that my adult heart and mind struggled to handle.  At that point I decided to do my part to make a change in how families and society respond to children who are grieving. 

 

​So here I am. 

My experiences have brought me to this place.  I am pursuing my life's purpose and my prayer is that your family will be positively impacted by SMILE Project.  I thank you for trusting me to share this healing journey with you.  

​​~Hope