To Those Facing Loss,

We see you.

We know the holidays are a glaring reminder of what should be there but isn’t. All that remains is a gaping hole of what once was. Your child, your grandchild, your sibling, your best friend, your hero, your warrior. You may want to hide and not emerge until the new year.

You want to be happy, people tell you that you “should” be happy, but it is so hard when all you feel is the grief weighing on you—grief so heavy that you don’t ever think you will catch your breath.

It’s ok to miss them, to not pretend and put up a “brave” face because that is what people expect to see. It hurts, it is real, and it is there.

Know that we stand, or sit, or lay crumpled on the floor beside you in this time, holding you from afar and wishing we could take it all away, wishing we could give you the greatest gift, wishing things were different.

We wrap you in our love. Know that we are here for you, night or day, to listen to stories you wish to share—their stories, their memories, the laughs you shared, the tears you have shed, your triumphs, challenges, and everything in between.

We love you. We see you. We are here for you.

-Your fellow Rett families and GP2C