For over 25 years, I had someone in my corner who saw me, truly saw me, and allowed me to be exactly who I was; flaws, impulses, and all. My husband, James, was my anchor. He never asked me to change, never made me feel like I had to hide or soften my edges. he accepted me unconditionally, and not just me, but my children too. He was our greatest advocate when things got tough. He stood by us, defended us, and I never had to explain or justify myself. But now, without him, I find myself facing the same battles Ive been fighting for the past 15 years. I am who I am, impulsive at times, fiercely outspoken when it comes to what I believe is right. And I won’t apologize for that. But what Ive realized is that being passionate about standing up for what’s right can often come across as harsh or create distance with those involved.

The more I fight for my truth, the more the gap seems to widen. So lately, Ive chosen silence. I’ve chosen to remove myself form the conversation rather than letting it create more tension. I still have a lot to say, still believe deeply in my causes, but I’ve learned that not every fight is worth the emotional toll. And for some people, it’s already too late to bridge the gap. The distance has already grown, and I’ve had to accept that. I’ve come to peace with the fact that not everyone will understand me or the reasons I speak so passionately. And that’s okay. My voice may not always be heard by the people I want to hear it, but I’ll continue to stand in my own truth. I’ll continue to love and cherish the people who understand me, who have stood by me through thick and thin. In the end, it’s those real supporters who matter most. They are the ones who allow me to be myself, just like James did. And that’s something I will always hold on to.