One year of hell

It’s been one year.

One year since I heard your voice.
One year since I saw your smile.
One year since this world changed forever.

And not a single day has gone by without me thinking of you.

I still can’t fully wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. Some mornings I wake up and for a split second, I forget — just a moment where the world feels whole again — and then the weight of reality settles in. The silence where your laughter used to be is so loud.

You were more than just my sister — you were my friend, my confidante, my anchor. You knew how to make me laugh when I wanted to cry, how to call me out when I needed truth, and how to love me even when I was hard to love. Your presence was a light — steady, strong, and full of warmth. And losing that light has left a space in my heart that no one else can fill.

But even in the ache of your absence, I carry so much of you with me. I see you in the little things: the way the sun hits the trees, the lyrics of a song we both loved, the scent of something that brings back a memory. I hear your voice in my head when I’m faced with a tough decision — and somehow, even now, I still know what you'd say.

They say grief is just love with nowhere to go. And it’s true — my love for you is as strong as ever, but I can’t hug you, or text you, or hear you laugh. So I write to you instead. I speak to the stars. I cry when I need to, and smile when I remember the beautiful moments we shared. You gave me so many of those, and I hold them close.

I wish we had more time. I wish I could have one more day with you — even just one more conversation. There’s so much I want to tell you. So much I want you to be here for. But more than anything, I want you to know that I miss you deeply. And I love you endlessly.

You are not forgotten. Not today. Not ever.

I carry you with me in everything I do. And I promise to live in a way that honors the love, the joy, and the strength you brought into this world. I’ll laugh louder. Love deeper. And I’ll keep your memory alive in my heart — always.

Until we meet again

"IM FEELING 22"

My Dearest Brooke,

Happy 22nd Birthday, my beautiful girl.

I’ve been thinking about this letter for days now, wondering how to possibly put into words everything I feel for you. The truth is—there aren’t enough words in the world to explain how much I love you, how proud I am of you, or how grateful I feel just to be your mom.

But I’ll try.

From the very first moment I held you in my arms, 22 years ago today, you changed everything. You filled spaces in my heart I didn’t even know existed. You were wide-eyed and curious, strong-willed and full of light — and you still are. You’ve been my sunshine on the darkest days, my laughter in the chaos, my reminder that love—real, deep, soul-shaking love—is what life is all about.

You are my heart walking outside my body. Always have been, always will be. And today, that heart of mine turns 22.

There’s something unforgettable about 22. It’s magical, messy, exciting, a little chaotic — and completely yours to make your own. You’re old enough to know better, young enough to try anyway, and brave enough to keep laughing through it all.

So laugh — laugh when you’re sure, laugh when you’re lost, and especially when you’re full of joy. Laugh through the moments that don’t make sense yet, and celebrate the ones that do. Say yes to adventure. Say no when your peace matters more. Trust your instincts. Guard your heart, but don’t be afraid to open it. Cry when you need to. Forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned. And never forget how worthy you are of love, happiness, and all the good things this life has to offer.

You’ve grown into such a remarkable woman. You are thoughtful, brave, smart, resilient, funny, and so full of love. You carry both strength and softness in you — a rare and beautiful mix. Life has already thrown you a few storms, but you’ve met each one with grace and come through stronger, wiser, and still with that unmistakable spark in your eyes.

That spark… it’s always been there. It’s you.

I know 22 won’t always feel easy. That education degree won't always feel easy. There will be days when you feel on top of the world, and others when you're just trying to keep it together. But I want you to remember this — joy can still be found in the middle of the unknown. You are allowed to not have it all figured out. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to grow slowly, at your own pace. Let this season stretch you, surprise you, and shape you. Some of your most meaningful memories — and lessons — will come now.

And wherever life takes you next, just know this: I’ll be right here. Cheering you on. Praying for you. Loving you more fiercely than you’ll ever truly understand. Don’t go too far, though 😁

I look at you and see someone who is both fierce and gentle, strong and compassionate, driven and kind. You bring light to every space you enter. You love deeply, think big, and feel everything so vividly — that is your superpower. Don’t ever let this world dim that spark inside you.

And while I may want to hold on a little longer to the little girl you once were, I am so unbelievably proud to stand beside the woman you’ve become. Watching you grow into yourself has been the greatest honor of my life. I will always be here — to lift you up, to remind you who you are, and to love you every step of the way.

So today, celebrate big. Blast that Taylor Swift song "I'm feeling 22". Dance like no one’s watching. Laugh until you cry. Fall in love with the little things. Dream bigger than ever before. Be as bold, brilliant, and beautifully you as ever.

You deserve nothing less than joy that fills you up and love that meets you exactly where you are.

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. You are the greatest gift of my life. I love you more than words — and I always will.

With all my love,
Mom

King of Kings Review

Why King of Kings Is the Perfect Movie to Watch as a Family

If you’re looking for a film that brings the life and teachings of Jesus to life in a way your kids will actually understand and connect with, #thekingofkings is the one. It’s not just another Bible movie — it’s sparking real curiosity in children. After watching, kids are asking thoughtful questions about the gospel and wanting to know more about Jesus. That’s pretty amazing.

This movie makes a great family night option, especially on Sundays. You can watch it together and have some really meaningful conversations afterwards — no boring lectures, just real talk about faith, kindness, and what Jesus taught.

Teachers and Sunday School leaders love it too. It’s a powerful tool for youth groups because it’s engaging, easy to follow, and full of teaching moments.

Families are loving it — parents included. The story is moving, the production is top-notch, and yes, there are big-name actors lending their voices. It’s not one of those cheesy old faith films — it’s beautifully done, with quality that rivals anything in mainstream entertainment.

Tired of having nothing good to watch as a family? You’re not alone. That’s why Angel Studios is such a game-changer. With content approved by Angel Guild members (real people who care about values and quality), they’ve built a library of high-quality, faith-driven entertainment. Nearly everything has a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score or higher — and once you scroll through their selection, you’ll see why.

Support stories that matter. Watch King of Kings — and discover just how powerful faith-based films can really be. 

The animated film The King of Kings is now streaming on Angel.com and the Angel App and available to all Angel Guild members: LINK

GIVEAWAY: If you are planning to watch, comment below and you can win a $10 Amazon giftcard. 

Many thanks to #angelstudios for providing a one month Angel Guild membership for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. Thank you to #MomentumInfluencerNetwork  for the opportunity to take part