When Marie’s husband Rob died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in 2018, their sons were just 10 and 8. In an instant, everything changed. But through the heartbreak, she remembered a promise they had made: to create the happiest life possible for their boys, no matter what.

This is Marie’s story, in her own words:

Rob and I were that couple… we got introduced by a mutual friend, 10 months later we were married. If anybody would’ve told me that, I would have questioned their sanity, stating if he truly was Mr. Right, he’d still be Mr. Right 3-5 years later! With Rob I understood the meaning of “When you know, you know”. Our whole life was about love and connection. We were blessed with two boys, bought the house near the beach, our life was simply perfect.

In June 2018, Rob died suddenly, from a brain aneurysm. Our boys were only 10 and 8 at the time. Our world shifted in an instant; and I faced the most important decision: Would I let grief define us, or could I somehow redefine grief itself?

Let me share a pivotal moment in our life that helped me make this decision: Only 3 years prior to Rob’s sudden death, we had the “what if” conversation, prompted by a fatal accident that had caused a two-hour detour for Rob on his way home from work. We sat on our bed, shaken by the idea of our boys growing up without one of us… and we promised, that if something was to ever happen, we would create the happiest life possible for our boys.

This very promise became my North Star in my darkest hour, whilst our journey took a rather unexpected turn. I began consciously choosing moments of joy. I let myself feel everything – not just the sadness, but the joyful moments, love, the beauty in small things. I sought out healing, not by numbing or avoiding grief, but by allowing space for hope, happiness and lightness.

What I have come to believe is this: Grief is a Blank Canvas, an opportunity to grow. It definitely shapes us, but the how is up to us. My approach doesn’t deny the pain – it honours the love we had, while creating space for growth, joy and purpose.

What I miss most? The sound of Rob’s laugh. The way he lit up a room just by walking into it. The way he loved us – fiercely, fully, without holding back. And his amazing hugs.

Grief can break you wide open – and with love, courage, and the right support, it can be a portal to something bigger than you.