It’s an honor for me to be a part of Hayley’s Sunshine and to reach out to children in my sweet girl’s memory. Childhood grief is something I am unfortunately all too familiar with. At the age of 9 I lost my dad unexpectedly. When my siblings and I lost our father, grief was not something that was spoken about. Counseling and the conversation of grief today is much more common and encouraged.
I grew up babysitting, mentoring, playing with and loving children. Just being with kids brought me so much joy. Becoming a mom to Hayley and Jimmy was a dream come true. Experiencing life through their little eyes brought me so much happiness. I can’t express the way my heart grew with these two human beings.
Hayley’s Sunshine is the best way I know how to honor my sweet Hayley, the smartest, happiest, funniest girl I have ever known. She left us way too soon and is missed every second of every minute of every day. It’s also a way to continue to love my son who suffered such a tremendous loss about the same age as I did so many years ago. I am thankful to have the opportunity to do something meaningful for children and families in their time of need. Surviving grief and loss is a hard and lonely road to travel. Hayley’s Sunshine exists to remind families and children that they are deeply loved and never alone. If we can bring a smile, a little bit of joy and sunshine into a child’s day, it’s a good day.
For the love of kids and unending love for my kids, Hayley & Jimmy….
