20 years ago today my sister Charis became a star in heaven.

This event has defined my adult life. You could say that everything I have done since is processing this experience.

At first it was extreme loss, sadness, and then anger. And, as time has gone by, I accepted that her transition is what allowed for all the amazing and wonderful things in my life, like my daughter and her crazy 4th birthday party this weekend, haha!

I could not have predicted where I would be, what I have done nor how I would feel. But I learned I must be present for all of it :)

I still have my moments of sadness. But, today I saw the sun rise and was able to look through a photo history of my sister in an instant on my phone, talk to my parents from 8000 miles away and then this amazing little person came running in to welcome the day.

The space is cleared. I'm ready for the next steps and am here for it all.

Hope something in my story helps you move forward.