Choosing my brother’s headstone brought a fresh wave of heartbreak, but time with Stephanie at the Everett waterfront reminded me of the precious gift of friendship and being loved through grief.

A full day of reconnecting with my childhood best friend, navigating difficult conversations, and finding time for prayer and family.

A heartbreaking day of revisiting Maks’s favourite places, holding on to precious memories, and finding small moments of comfort in family while learning to live with the grief.

A beautiful yet heartbreaking farewell to my brother, surrounded by love, held together by faith, and trusting that he is now happy in Heaven.

After a week of exhausting days preparing for the funeral, I’m leaning on God to guard my heart and carry me through.

A heartbreaking day of preparing to honour Maks’s life, witnessing my family’s grief, and reminding myself that I must lean on God when I have no strength of my own.

Taking a step back from Instagram to gather precious family photographs and memories as I prepare a slideshow to honour my brother’s life.