The First Page of the Next Chapter: Not Starting Over, Starting Again

Awareness, Blog, Communication, Inspiration, Letters, Support

September 10, 2025

It’s been a while!!
Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what matters most—even when no one was watching.

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May 8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so many new ways.

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado – the place he loved so much and so proudly helped me love and call home.

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤️ watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or exploring. It wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain….

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love.

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps me on my toes in ways only little dogs can.

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with Sassy and Jim. Every night.

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me.

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again.

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day, especially when it’s hard.

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own.

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter.

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the written page – not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next.

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime – to say hi, share feedback, ask for a resource…. whatever you need!
Connect at: sam@griefhab.org


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