“So it’s true, when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love.”

If you're grieving right now, I want you to remember several things.

First, I want you to remember that you are, in fact, alive. Regardless of if you feel like it or not, there is still a heart fighting within you, and it's not going to stop fighting through every day until it says so. Your lungs are going to go to limitless extents to breathe in as much oxygen as they possibly can until they decide that it is time to stop. You are alive. I promise.

Secondly, I want you to remember that you are loved. There are over 7 billion hearts beating in this wonderful world, and at least ten of them love you, because you are wonderful. You are loved. I love you.

Third, I want you to know the hard truth: it never really stops hurting, but it does get easier with time. Immediately after the loss of someone you love, you feel as though it's the end of the world, and you can't see yourself anywhere near a place of recovery. But, you'll learn how to get through each day, one day at a time.

And lastly, I want you to remember that the one you love is still living. You might not be able to go on adventures with them anymore, or create memories with them. You might not be able to see them anymore, but they're still living. They're living inside of you; they're living through you. It's your job to make sure you carry that with you. It's your job to make sure that you are doing everything you can to preserve their legacy, because you love them. And they love you. I promise, they do.

You'll be alright.

I swear.