One year has passed since our beautiful Jaida left this world. One entire year since our world was shattered, our hearts broken into millions of pieces. Yet somehow, we have survived.
There are no words that accurately describe what our family has endured, and how we feel.
It has been a year of extreme pain and sorrow, endless tears, loneliness and isolation. Any negative emotion and feeling that exists, multiply it by a billion. And then add to that the horrible stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. I’m amazed that we have survived.
It has also been a year of new things. New growth and understanding, new priorities and perspective, new connections and friendships. We have found a new path to follow, always with the knowledge that Jaida is gently leading us and guiding us. For all the new that our life has brought us, we are grateful.
Dearest Jaida, you are loved. You are thought of and missed every second of every day. I wish I could see your beautiful face, hear your amazing laugh. I wish with my entire being to hold you in my arms, even just one more time. We will never be ashamed of your story, instead we are so proud of how brave you were and how hard you fought to stay with us.
Jaida, we promise to do what we can in our lives to make sure that you are never forgotten, that your empathy and love are always remembered. We will do our best to make sure that your life and your story will make a difference in the lives of children and adolescents that may be struggling.
Nothing can dim the light that was, and still is, Jaida.
Until we meet again XOXOXOXO
For information about The Jaida Project, please visit thejaidaproject.ca, or email us at thejaidaproject@gmail.com
