Topic Leaders
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Jake shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 week, 5 days agoA Day Late, A $ Short
MIKAELA LAUREN TICK!
I WRITE A DAY LATE. YOUR BIRTHDAY was yesterday: LITERALLY, I AM a DAY LATE.
On July 27, 2014, you passed, PHYSICALLY; it was a rare HEART CONDITION. YOU HAVE A RARE HEART. A golden HEART. Check that, a 💜! (your FAV COLOR) and an attitude akin to an 🐘 with its tusks ⬆️. You had those up EVERYWHERE
EVERY SINGLE PERSON…read more
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Just letting you know even if you are a day late on her birthday it’s better than getting all together. Jake your letter is so touching and you shared a lot of great memories with Mikaela. She will forever be grateful to have had someone like you in her life. Especially since you are still shining a light on her in…read more
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Thank you SO MUCH, Kayjah!!!The RECOGNITION and WORDS mean the WORLD to me, it is hard to express!!!KEEP the POSITIVITY UP… we NEED MORE of that!!!
With TREMENDOUS ADMIRATION and GRADITUDE!!
Jake
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Kanani shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 month, 1 week agoI called her Shelley
Kanani Fong, her friendThis is a letter for three persons, who are all deceased. One was a friend. The other two would have been friends, of this I am certain.
Recently, I went through some boxes, packed away by my mother over 30 years ago. I’d moved away by then, the things in my bedroom becoming relics of a time that I was in a hurry to discard as I hurtled into…read more
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OMG, thank you for writing this. George was my friend. He loved his mom. I didn’t notice the picture when I clicked, and didn’t realize until the end Shelley was George’s mom. George had a daughter. She is probably about six or seven now. i am sure she would love to know about her grandmother at some point. Shelley sounds like she was a beautiful…read more
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Hi Lauren, I was glad to find his letter here. I found it via a website that mentioned him and his mother. It’s been a gutwrenching week for me, finding out what happened to Shelley, and then the unfolding tragedy of her sons. I understand that their father is living with CTE, so the tragedy really was all-encompassing.
George III sounded like a…read more-
And sorry for all the typos! I should probably write it elsewhere, run it through a wordcheck and then copy and paste it! Anyway, many thanks for your support and kind words!
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@kanani are those both pictures of Michelle? The smaller once looks EXACTLY like George. They are identical. George’s daughter also looks just like Georige. I have his daughter’s mother’s contact information somewhere. I am sure she’d love to have this one day.
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Hi, Yes, those are two pictures of Shelley (Michelle). One is when she’s probably around 12, which is when we met. The other was taken when she was around 15 or 16, and she was living in Los Angeles. I’d love to send these to her grand daughter. What a terribly painful loss this all was for her.
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FYI, I will see about making copies. I’d like to find out the status of her first born son, and see if I can get copies to him. I haven’t been successful reaching her mother yet. I know she had sisters, but I can’t remember their names. Anyway, I just wanted them all to know, I remember Shelley when she was full of the promise of life.
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I reached out to George’s daughter’s mom and told her about you. I will keep you posted. I don’t know her well but I had sent her my interview with George so she has it for her daughter whenever he is ready to listen. George and Josh loved their mom. From my understanding, the loss of their mom was the catalyst to Josh’s struggles in the latter…read more
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I’m so sorry that you had to lose so much beautiful people. By the way you talk about them makes me want to to meet them as well. I’m glad that you shared your story. You’re so brave because I know that stories like this can open wounds or create a memory.
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Hannah G. shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 1 month, 2 weeks agoDear Matante Elaine,
Hannah G.From the moment I was born you were mine. My parents had chosen you to be my godmother, a duty which you took very seriously. When I look back you were always there for every one of my milestones; my Baptism, my first few words, my first steps, my first haircut, my Confirmation and First Communion, my high school graduation. You were even…read more
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Aww hannah, This is so sweet. I am so sorry for the loss of you Godmother. I am certain she is watching over you and she is so proud of you- not just as far as your career/education but simply who you are as a person. I am sure she is watching down on you and smiling every day for the last 8 years. Keep making her proud. You are such a bright…read more
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I’m so sorry that you lost your godmother I’m sure she’s happy that you’re still sharing the memories with her and that she’s glad the person you became to be today. I’m glad that you had someone to impact your life and you lived by that.
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Antoinette Gonzalez shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 3 months agoDearest Manulo
AL GonzalezDear Father-In-Law,
I have had the pleasure of spending the last 11 years with your son as my life partner. We have had our ups and downs, that has not stopped us from enjoying our lives together. When I walked into your son’s life there wasn’t much he would talk about with me when it came to you because he was still in pain. I know it must hav…read more
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I am so sorry for your loss. But what a beautiful letter. I am so sure he is smiling down on you guys and proud of the love you share and the wonderful children you are raising together. Sending lots of love and wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. xoxoxo
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I’m so sorry for your loss Al, I think I remember you writing an letter about your Manulo not too long ago. Don’t worry! He is in a great place and you will see him someday. Stay strong I know this journey can be hard but keep your head held high.
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So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful letter. I’m glad you all have that necklace to wear and feel closer. Best wishes in the days and months ahead.
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MMansfield28 shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 4 months, 2 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Jamie Ellifritz shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 5 months, 2 weeks agoSeptember 25th 1997 - 25 years ago
JamieThis was the morning that my mother’s body finally gave out from battling multiple forms of cancer since her diagnosis. Cancer never took her smile, sense of humor or her positive attitude even while battling this disease at the same time as my 16 year old sister from 1996 until my mom’s passing in 97. Having my sister in my life made figuring out…read more
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Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m also happy for your gain. Your mom was truly inspiring. You were able to follow in her footsteps and smile just like her. Keep that positive attitude. She surely is keeping hers.
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Super kind of you to say Kayjah. I would like to say that my sister didn’t get to finish her goal of graduating from Xavier University. Knowing that you our working on your own college courses towards your degree brings great joy. Appreciate each day you wake and go out there and get want you want out of life. I’m proud to know you and look for…read more
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Dear Jamie, I’m so sorry for your loss, but grateful that you remember that through her battle with cancer, she was not only courageous, but had a wonderful smile, sense of humor and a positive attitude. I am glad that you celebrate her life with this in mind. Going forward, it’s what we all should do. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Kanani, Thank you for taking time to read my letter and respond. I appreciate your kind words. All life events have value and for me it was important to share this with our community because if my story helps even one person by making them think then it’s totally worthy. Perspective is such a great tool to have. Thank you again!
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KitWriter shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 7 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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KitWriter shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 7 months, 1 week agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Roger Chamberlain shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 7 months, 4 weeks agoMom
RogerMom,
It’s been 15 long years today since you left your earthly life. Words fail to describe how much I miss you. All that is good in my heart and my life is because of you. You taught me more than I can ever truly thank you for.
You were born a triplet, but you alone survived that October day in 1945. I only vaguely remember your Mom, she passed…read more
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Aww I love the line where you say you are never more than a thought away. That is so true and so beautiful. Roger, your mom would be so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. And please know no matter how much time passes, she is always by your side, loving you, cheering you on, and wishing the best for you. Sending you love today and…read more
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Thank you Lauren ❤️. I certainly was prepared for losing her. I think the early 20s is probably one of the hardest points to lose a parent. My Mom passed inside a 3 year span where my Grandmother, My Mom and My Aunt all passed between 2006-2008. Also my cousin had passed away several months before my Mom. It was a very difficult time to say the…read more
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What a loving remembrance. What a great gift of empathy she left for you. Talking to others when they are down, an innate sense of when someone just needs a kind word. Such a gift. It’s your way of honoring her everyday.
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Thank you for those beautiful words. I live a lot through the lessons my Mother taught me. My empathetic ways are probably why I’ve chosen to stay here in this life. I came close to ending my own life a few years ago but it was her voice as clear as day on a chill July wind that led me here. Yesterday marked a somber day for my empathy, a good…read more
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 9 months, 1 week agoDear Sean, My Heart Is Hurting
Dear Sean,
Our friendship began the night we met. It was August 12, 2018 in downtown Cleveland. My friends and I ended up at a table at FWD nightclub with you and your friends. Thanks to your charm, and that handsome face, we immediately clicked.
In a short time, I realized there was so much more to you than your good looks and your sweet…read more
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Lauren,
First off I’m so very sorry for this loss. Sean, from everything you’ve written, was an extraordinary man. This tribute is both heartbreaking and inspiring to read. It is heartbreaking because a great man and Father was taken from this life so very soon. Reading what you’ve written is inspiring however also. It shows the profound impact…read more
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Dear Lauren:
Today is Glioblastoma #GBM Day and as we shine the light on this devastating disease, I want to express my appreciation to you for using your platform – The Unsealed – to write this beautiful and poignant letter to my son Sean who at age 40, left us last month, too soon due to GBM. We are heartbroken.Your letter captured the e…read more
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Dear Janet,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Sean. I can’t imagine how much this loss has hurt. GBM is such a terrible disease. I wish it wasn’t a thing that takes such amazing people like Sean from us so soon.
I want to let you know that I will be making a donation in Sean’s honor to one of the causes you linked above. Of all the things I try to…read more
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 9 months, 3 weeks agoA rainbow to you is what rain is to me
LaurenDear Ashley @ashley_topham,
I read your story about the rainbow and your father. It is such a beautiful memory. Sometimes, I think the universe implants these memories in us so when are loved ones leave us, they have ways they can send us little reminders that they are still with us.
My grandfather always said that rain was good luck. Since I…read more
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Dear Lauren, @theunsealed
The story about the rain and the connection it has to your late grandfather is beautiful. It’s amazing how people can have that connection show back up in their life after their loved one passed away. I whole heartedly believe that it is our loved ones letting us know they are still there. I love how it also deals with…read more
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Aww I loved that. I think it’s so true. It’s so comforting when you can feel the presence of someone that you lost. I have so many weird stories that are too coincidental to truly be just coincidences. Or at least I think so. Love and connection never dies. And through magic I think people find a way to connect with you even after their lives are…read more
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Jim shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 10 months agoMy Amazing Mom
Jim CorraoTo try to think of one particularly great story about my mom that really stands out..is kind of a challenge. That feels weird to write it, and said out loud its even more strange. I guess life with my mom was just an endless series of great moments, great days..a bunch of small every day things that comprised one amazing life.My mom passed away 18…read more
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I am sorry for your loss. Mothers are truly magical though. It is amazing to me that no matter what is going on or what a mother is dealing with, a good mother will always calm her child first and foremost. My mother is the same way. She always comforts me even if she is struggling with something. The love between a parent and child is just so…read more
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Thank you for the very kind words Lauren. Yes it truly is amazing. Great moms just have a knack. And yes, always put their kids first. Mom was definitely like that. Our house was a very popular hub. Kids were always over, we had lots of gatherings to watch Browns games and stuff. We still laugh: whenever anyone would come over, especially after…read more
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Hi jim,
I was very touched by your words. Your Mother sounds like she was amazing. I don’t have to tell you how lucky you are to be touched by such an angel. I am sure you are passing on the love you received to all those around you. Love is such a positive force that can really elevate someone’s life. We need more of that in these very tro…read more-
Thank you Shelley. Very much appreciated. Yes my mom was certainly an amazing woman. I’m amazed at all mothers to be honest. Mothers are amazing. Juggling duties, tasks and responsibilities. All the while still taking care of their children first and foremost. That’s great that you had a great mother. It’s clear that she passed along what she k…read more
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Hi Jim,
I’m sorry you lost your mom 18 years ago. It’s great that you have many good memories of her. Memories that will stay with you…forever. There’s nothing like a mother’s love. That warmth to comfort you when you have a bad day or are going through a tough time is such a blessing to have. It’s been 21 years since I lost my mom. That’s hard…read more
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Hey Gerald
Thanks so much for the kind words. Not just kind, but right on the money. She is definitely looking down on me. I imagine her voice in my head and it makes me smile. She was 4’10” and was fierce. But soft hearted. She always put her kids first. No matter what. I’m sorry to hear about your mom. 21 years is a long time. Most of your…read more
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You’re welcome, Jim!
I’m glad my words were right on the money. Haha. Looking at the photo of your mom, I believe that she was fierce and soft-hearted. She sounds like my oldest sister. Lol. She’s very fierce as well. Lol. Your mom looked like a very loving person. Yeah, my mom has been gone for most of my life now, it’s crazy to think about. It…read more
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Lauren Brill shared a letter in the
Remembering those we lost/Grief group 11 months, 1 week agoWhy my ex-boyfriend is always in my heart
LaurenIt’s been almost six years since I lost my ex-boyfriend, Brian. He loved me with all his heart. And even though I broke his heart, he never stopped caring about me, supporting me, or cheering on my success. When he was alive, I spent years keeping him an arm’s distance away. At the time, I just didn’t want the same relationship that he wante…read more
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That’s a powerful story. He’s right. You shouldn’t accept anything less than what he would have been willing to give. From anyone. Grief is tough. Comes in all shapes and sizes. I’m currently apart from my ex girlfriend. It’s brutal. I want to be back w her so much. But I can’t speed up the process. It just has to be a one day at a time proces…read more
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I am so sorry for your losses as well. They say time heals all, but I remember writing when I was a kid that time doesn’t heal all, you just start to get used to the way you feel. One day at a time is definitely the best advice, but the reality is, some days are certainly better than others.
With that said, I have also experienced magical…read more
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I think you are right on. I don’t think you ever fully heal from serious grief like that. You just get used to things as they are. Because to be fully healed, I’d think that means as good as you were before the loved ones went away. And I don’t think that will ever be the case in things like that. Nothing will ever be as good as it was. You just…read more
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The devastating power of grief visited me far earlier than I had ever imagined. I was 17 and undeniably in love with my high school girlfriend. I wanted to go out with her that night but I missed the chance to ask her before she went home. The next morning I was at a friend’s house when I found out she had been killed in a car accident early that…read more
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Grief in general is hard to deal with because when we lose someone we feel like apart of us is gone, but we take on who they were in the things we do. Each person we meet gives us apart of themselves. When I lost my dad I was angry 😡 and sad at the same time. I couldn’t understand why I had to lose him. As I started to come out of my anger I r…read more
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@oneturbobenz @telina27 I think you are both so right. We all find our own ways to grieve. But i think the underlining similarity is that we all need to allow ourselves to grieve and to express our emotions. Telina, I went through that anger stage like you did. Wanting someone or something to blame. And Roger, I also had guilt, “why did i leave…read more
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This is a powerful read. It’s not easy losing people we care about. It takes time to process a loss. Our minds start wondering how things would be different if that person was still alive. It’s said that time heals all wounds, but, it doesn’t feel like it. It feels like time just makes us get into a place where we can tolerate our wounds. Not…read more
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Gerald I know your mom is looking down on you and she is really proud. You know, I too often bury my emotions . Not because I think I have too but because it’s easier not to face them. Often they come out in other ways like anxiety, stomach aches or even back aches. That’s how I ended up writing. It became a healthy outlet for self-expression. A…read more
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Appreciate that Lauren. I believe she is too, looking down with a smile. Yeah. Anxiety is definitely one way those emotions can come out. I’m glad you found healing and empowerment through writing. I feel writing has done the same for me in terms of its healing power & empowerment I’ll never felt before. It’s a great outlet for self-expression. I…read more
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I struggled for quite a while after losing my mother. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer many years prior to succumbing to it. When first diagnosed she entered a trial study and it was under control for years. When the trail ended, she was so excited to find out she was in the test group and he cancer was under control. About a year latter…read more
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I am so sorry for what you and your mother went through. But you are so right, focusing on the happy times makes everything a little easier. Also, you can feel gratitude for having so many happy times. With my grandfather, I always think about how he called me his little athlete because he knew I got my athletic talent from him. With Brian, I…read more
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I remember the first time I read about the promise you made Brian. I think what he wanted was to ensure you were happy. The way he treated you was the way he felt was the best way he could make you happy so that is what he hoped you would find with someone else. Maybe a part of him hoped you would look and not find someone and come back to him.…read more
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“Maybe next time instead of putting his sister at your table he will put the guy you are looking for there.” This line nearly made me cry. He is probably just waiting until i feel so tortured that I will appreciate that person to no end. And I do think you are right. I do think on some level he was hoping I would one day come to him. I just don’t…read more
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@jim-c @oneturbobenz @telina27 @lostone89 @bigstudbundy All of your responses were so thoughtful and so beautiful. It really touched my heart. Grief is one of those things that I feel like always stays with us in some form. Maybe it gets easier. Maybe it doesn’t. But Grief also means we were lucky enough to have someone pretty special in our…read more
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