In a world where so much of life is shared publicly, it's easy to assume we know one another. We see the photos and the milestones, but we often mistake visibility for understanding.
I recently sat down with Emilie Kiser, who openly and courageously shared the story surrounding the unimaginable loss of her young son, Trigg. What struck me most was not only her willingness to speak candidly about her grief, but the remarkable clarity with which she speaks about it.
Emilie speaks her truth, and her honesty is deeply moving.
So often, when life breaks our hearts, we rush to find meaning before we're ready. We search for lessons, reasons, or answers that can soften what feels unbearable. But Emilie reminds us that during some of the most difficult situations we could ever find ourselves in, focusing on the next step, next move, next task is how we begin to find the courage to continue forward.
What I admire most about her is the compassion that exists alongside her grief. Not only toward herself, but toward others. Toward her husband. Even toward those who judged her from afar. She understands something many of us overlook: seeing someone's life is not the same as understanding the weight they carry.
June’s issue of On Purpose Magazine is available now.
