OCTOBER JOY

October was a time of excitement in our house until 2023. October is birthday month for many in our family, including Briella. The year we moved to Sioux Falls (2020) was a challenging birthday year for her. She wanted to celebrate with all her friends (but they were in Minnesota). She decided to make the most of it and create her own joy. She created a birthday countdown of sorts starting on October 1. She was going to create one part of a large craft project each day. Little did she know that I was planning a surprise birthday party with her friends back in Minnesota.

This year the countdown picture came up in my Facebook memories, I thought about that year and what Briella was creating for herself. She was trying to add some joy to her life. Life has not been full of joy since Briella died. I decided I needed to create a little of my own joy. I decided to do something each day that Briella would have enjoyed doing or we would have enjoyed doing together. Some of the things I have not done since she passed. It brought back so many precious memories. There was joy and there was grief.

Oct 7…crafting from Briella’s Pinterest board

Oct 11…making Briella’s favorite cookies

Oct 17…doing a crossword on Briella’s bed just like she used to do

Oct 19…visiting Briella’s tree at Falls Park

I baked, I crafted (from her Pinterest board), I ate at some of her favorite spots, I watched a Disney movie, I tried to learn Procreate, I did some of her favorite things. Each day was special, and most days brought some sadness that she is no longer here to do those things with. Briella brought joy to our life.

Keep bringing JOY Briella.

JOY

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