Grief is the suitcase I can’t put down, even in a season meant for joy. This past week was heavy, even though I was surrounded by people I love—my two grown children, who I absolutely adore, and my husband, who remains one of the bright spots in my life. My husband and I were in another state helping our daughter settle into a new job and apartment. I’m grateful for that time with her, but even so, it felt like I was carrying a suitcase full of grief wherever I went. My son also flew in for the Thanksgiving holiday. We try to be together around that date—not to celebrate Thanksgiving, but to honor the loss of my oldest daughter, their oldest sibling, who died on Thanksgiving three years ago. I only had enough energy to give them my presence—and some forced good cheer. Taking them to see Denver sights, going out to dinners, listening to their stories, hearing them banter… those moments are what make these holidays bearable. That was all I had to offer. The holidays used to be s...
I’m Elizabeth Candy—a mother, writer, and seeker. Life After Lil was born from the ache of losing my daughter, Lily, in 2022. I write to honor her light and create space for grief, healing, and truth. My work has been featured in The Keepthings, Motherwell and Tiny Buddha.
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