To the person experiencing loss,

I know that you are suffering, and questioning life's fairness. I know that you don't understand why this is happening. How could someone so special be taken away? Humans experience loss all the time, though that never means it gets any easier. Whether it be a loved one, a job, a hobby, an illness-whatever the situation is, loss is imminent.

Know that you are not alone. That people out there care and want to see you happy again. Know that life always rebounds from its troubles, sometimes it just takes awhile. Know that sometimes we are not meant to understand everything. But I promise you, God has a plan. Pray often, and pray fiercely. God will never give you more than you can handle. God will never give me more than I can handle, though sometimes it feels like the complete opposite.

It took me ample time to deal with the loss of a loved one, and I still don't understand why they were taken so suddenly. I honestly don't think I ever will. I wish I could call my Nana after a bad day, and she would tell me everything would be ok in the end. I long for the times spent in the kitchen baking and playing cards. I would give anything for her to be at my graduation or future wedding day. But I have to immerse myself in the peace of her spirit, and trust that she is watching over me. I may not know why she left so suddenly, but God does. And I know that she is so proud of me, and who I am becoming. That alone gives me comfort, and soothes the pain.

Loss isn't something to be taken lightly. It requires a great deal of emotional healing and facing your demons. But know it isn't without a purpose. Loss demonstrates the beauty and broad spectrum of human emotion; it awakens our souls to feel. Time is also a wonderful healer. Time is always constant, and will never waiver. Time shows us that we can be whole again, even though we don't believe it right now.

To the one suffering, I know it's not easy, and I know it's not fair. But I can tell you that you are strong, stronger than you think, and that you will learn to carry on. It's ok to grieve, it's ok to cry, and contrary to popular belief, showing emotion is perfectly ok. Because in the end, God has a plan, and even though it might not seem like it right now, I promise the plan is perfect.