07/12/2026
Grief, Mental Health, and Giving Yourself Grace
It has been two years since we lost our son. I can’t honestly say it gets easier—it just becomes your new normal. Some days are harder than others, and some days are a little better. I’ve found that this time of year is the most difficult for me.
My son’s birthday is this Saturday, and then August 12 marks the anniversary of his death. We found him on August 13, so those are two incredibly painful days every year. Then, at the end of August, comes my birthday. The year my son died, I spent my birthday finishing the funeral arrangements. The following year, my grandson was killed in a motorcycle accident on that same day. Needless to say, this time of year weighs heavily on my heart.
It puts a real strain on my mental health. There are days when I don’t want to talk to anyone. I don’t want to go to work. I just want to yell, scream, and ask, “Why?”
And you know what?
That’s okay.
Those feelings are normal.
Losing someone you love is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. Unlike a cut that gets stitched up and heals in ten days, or a broken bone that the doctor says will heal in a few weeks, grief doesn’t follow a timeline. There is no prescription that tells you when your heart will be healed.
Everyone grieves differently, and everyone heals at their own pace.
If you’re walking through grief right now, give yourself permission to slow down. Go for a walk. Sit quietly in nature. Eat your favorite pint of ice cream. Cry if you need to. Laugh if you can. Rest without feeling guilty.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’ve been through something life-changing, and you deserve compassion—especially from yourself.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or if your grief feels too heavy to carry alone, please reach out to a therapist or another trusted mental health professional. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. You don’t have to walk this journey by yourself.
If sharing my story helps even one person feel a little less alone, then my son’s legacy continues to make a difference.
💜 CORGI BUTTS FITNESS, LLC
For the Wiggle You Deserve
Remember: Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Healing isn’t about “getting over it”—it’s about learning how to carry love, loss, and hope together.
