Losing a loved one is hard enough as it is but it truly sets in when the holidays hit. The heart ache of knowing your annual traditions together are gone is something that haunts you. The idea of making new traditions without them is terrifying. It's all just a downhill slope of emotions during a time that is supposed to be filled with joy and love for those around you. It leaves you with the question of "Will the holidays ever be the same again without them?"

I'm here to say that it gets better. As cliche and painful as it is for me to say, time heals all wounds - eventually. The traditions you once had will be updated. The love you had for that holiday with that person will continue, just in a different way.

For me, this will be the second Thanksgiving/Christmas season without my grandmother who I was lucky enough to also call my best friend. She was the epitome of grace and everything that I aspire to be. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that things are easy without her around - because let's be real, they aren't. It took time for me to accept that things had to change. It took time for me to realize that time doesn't stop for anyone and that life had to continue. Moral of the story: it's going to take time.

While my heart breaks knowing that she isn't going to be around to boss everyone around in the kitchen and yell at guests for not sharing wine, I know that she's still here. She's here shining so much light on such a wonderful season of love and pure compassion that surrounds my family. I know that the traditions she's created within our family will live on for centuries to come. I also know that if she knew that I was dwelling on the past and hurting during her favorite season that she'd kick my ass.

To my sweet angel watching over me, I am so blessed to have had someone like you in my life. Someone so selfless and kind with no expectations of anything in return. You are my hopes and dreams, you are my goals and inspiration. I want you to know that I know you're here. I know you're watching down and I hope that you're proud of the legacy that you've left amongst your town, your family, and your friends. Your love lives on, always.

So here's your friendly reminder that life goes on. It knocks you down sometimes, but you have to have the courage to get up and know that everything is going to be okay. You have to know that you are loved and supported every day regardless of whether you know it or not. Holidays without your loved one will soon be restored to a day of rejoicing their presence. Keep the faith, love.