your home

Dear Rachel,

Today my heart feels heavy in a new kind of way. I wasn’t there when your house — your home — was packed up and rearranged. I wasn’t there when the last pieces of you were gently wrapped, folded, or placed in boxes. But I’ve felt every bit of it from a distance. I was thinking about how excited you were when you bought this house and how much you loved it.  

Your home was more than just a house. It was where your babies took their first steps, where you stayed up late helping with homework, and where you laughed, cried, and made the every day feel meaningful. It was you — through and through.

And now, life has changed again. He’s moved on. He’s married someone new. He still loves you so much and every day he wishes you back.  And as hard as that is to accept, I need you to know — she’s wonderful.

She is kind. She treats your children with love and patience. She doesn’t try to replace you, because she couldn’t — no one ever could. But she shows up for them. She holds space for their memories, and she honors you in her own quiet way. I see that, and I'm thankful. I think you would be too.

Still, it hurts — letting go of what was, and accepting what is. It’s not what any of us wanted. But life moves forward, even when we’re still grieving, still holding onto pieces of the past.

I hope somehow you know your babies are safe. They are still surrounded by love, even if it looks different now. You did such an incredible job raising them — they are strong, respectful, and full of the same kind of love you gave so freely. You would be proud, Rachel. So proud.

No matter what changes around them, they will always carry you. So will I.

I miss you more than words can express.

I love you always.

**Your sister,**

Terri

10 months

Ten Months Without You 

It’s been ten months since you left, Rachel, and not a single day has passed without thinking of you. The world keeps spinning, people keep moving, and life continues in all its ordinary ways—but nothing has been quite the same without you here.

Ten months without your laugh, your voice, your wisdom. Ten months of missing the way you lit up every room you entered. You had a way of making even the darkest days a little brighter, and I still find myself reaching for the phone, wanting to share something with you, only to remember that you’re not there to answer.

This month, I took a vacation to see your kids. Being with them brought a mix of emotions—joy, sadness, love, and longing. They carry pieces of you in the way they smile, the things they say, and the light in their eyes. You would be so proud of them. Being near them felt like being near you, and I cherished every moment.

I also went to visit your resting place. Standing there, I felt the full weight of your absence and the deep love that still connects us. I brought my thoughts, my tears, and my prayers. I spoke to you in silence, hoping somehow you could hear. It gave me peace, even in the pain.

Grief is a strange companion. It walks beside me quietly, sometimes with tears, sometimes with smiles at the memories we made. I miss the little things—your texts, our inside jokes, the comfort of knowing you were always there.

But even in your absence, your presence remains. I see you in sunsets and songs, in moments of quiet, in the strength I didn’t know I had. And every time I hear the words,

“Now heaven is sweeter with you there,"

I feel a quiet ache and a strange comfort. It reminds me that while I wish you were still here with me, I believe you're in a place of peace—and somehow, heaven truly is sweeter with you there, Rachel.

Ten months without you has felt like a lifetime, but I hold on to everything you gave me: love, laughter, courage, and a sense of home.

I will keep living in a way that honors you. I will speak your name, tell your stories, and make sure that who you were never fades with time. Your life was a gift, and your memory will always be a guiding light.

I miss you more than words can say. Ten months without you, Rachel, but a love that will last forever.

When to Be Concerned About Your Hearing

Image Credit.

Our hearing is one of those things that we take for granted. Most people are born with the ability to hear, and we use it to navigate life and communicate with each other. But hearing loss and other issues can interfere with our abilities to do these things. Just like any other part of your health, this can in turn affect our quality of life.

While you don’t need to stay up at night worrying about it, it’s good to always be aware of your hearing and any potential problems. While hearing loss is inevitable for most people as they get older, there are sometimes things we can do to prevent it or slow it down.

Risk Factors For Hearing Loss

The most common risk factor for hearing loss is age. As people get older, they’re more likely to lose their hearing to an extent. If hearing loss runs in your family, then you’re even more likely to experience it when you age. This doesn’t mean you will completely lose your hearing, but many people have less sensitive hearing.

Other risk factors include wear and tear on your ears. If you’re regularly exposed to loud noises, it can damage the delicate hairs in your ears, which over time can cause hearing loss. People who work on construction sites or as soldiers, for example, can lose their hearing, as can musicians or people who listen to loud music.

Ear infections and blocked ears can also cause hearing loss. Sometimes this is temporary, but it can also cause permanent damage. Ear injuries might also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be surprisingly hard to notice, mainly because your brain is very good at masking it and compensating. You might not realise you’re losing your hearing until it gets more profound.

However, there are a few signs. Tinnitus is often a symptom associated with hearing loss. It’s characterized by ringing or buzzing in your ears and, in some cases, it can be difficult to deal with. You can do things like listening to quiet music or white noise for some tinnitus relief, or see a doctor.

One of the most common signs of hearing loss is actually other people. Your loved ones, who are the ones having to repeat themselves or speak louder to be heard, might realize that you’re losing your hearing before you do.

What to Do About Hearing Loss

If you are experiencing hearing loss, then think about what risk factors might cause them. You can use ear defenders if you work at a construction site to preserve your hearing, for example. 

You can also see an ear doctor or an audiologist and get a hearing test. This way, you understand how much you’ve lost your hearing and, if it’s appropriate, you can get a hearing aid to restore some of your sense of hearing. 

A doctor can also identify hearing loss caused by illnesses and, in some cases, treat it.

Congratulations Graduate!

Today is a day of immense pride and joy as I celebrate the incredible achievement of your graduation from university. The years of hard work, dedication, and countless hours spent in lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions have led to this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud.

From the very start, you have been an inspiration. Your focus, determination, and passion have been evident throughout your entire academic journey. Earning your degree is a remarkable accomplishment, and it reflects your ability to rise above challenges and stay committed to your goals. Your hard work has truly paid off.

Watching you grow over the years has been such a rewarding experience. You've transformed into an accomplished, confident graduate, ready to take on the world. You’ve not only gained knowledge, but you've also developed a strength of character that will guide you through every step of your future.

This degree represents much more than academic success—it speaks to your perseverance, your growth, and your unwavering commitment to building a bright future for yourself. The lessons you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve had will stay with you long after today, shaping the incredible person you’re continuing to become.

As you take the next steps into the world, I know that your future holds endless possibilities. You’ve built a solid foundation, and I have no doubt that you will achieve amazing things in whatever path you choose. Your dedication and brilliance will continue to open doors, and I am excited to see where your journey takes you next.

I am beyond proud of you, not just for what you’ve achieved, but for the kind, driven, and remarkable person you are. You've made us all so proud, and I can't wait to see the wonderful things you’ll accomplish in the next chapter of your life.

Congratulations, my brilliant graduate! The world is yours to explore one more year to become a teacher which has been your dream.. Congrats on your Bachelor of Arts with honours in music and a major in French. 

With all my love and pride