DESPAIR: I felt completely heartbroken and utterly shattered. There were times when I prayed my eyes wouldn’t open in the morning.

HOW I COPED: I felt most comfortable being vulnerable and expressing deep sadness in the shower. I practiced “keening”- a unique form of weeping – to fully experience the extent of my heartbreak and release the pressure of holding onto it. I told my family when I was going to do this, which helped them respect my privacy and hold sacred how I chose to approach grief.