Because of Emily
A Grief Blog Centered Around Stories of Love and Loss
Sharing Emily, One Story at a Time
Welcome to Because of Emily, a grief blog where love and loss intertwine. Here, I share stories of my love, Emily—her life, her legacy, and how she inspires me even after her death.
Emily had big dreams for the future, dreams to make the world a better place. While she only completed a small number of these goals, I believe that sharing my grief journey with others can help her continue to change the world, even in death.
I hope that sharing my story helps others recognize the complexities of grief and embrace life wholeheartedly, just the way Emily did.
"Live a Wholehearted Life"
These were the words Emily lived by from the moment she received a life-changing heart transplant on December 23, 2017 until she died almost five years later. She felt a profound calling to make the most of her life and maintain her donor’s legacy. Now, I am doing the same, keeping both Emily (and her donor) alive through the stories I share and the actions I take to make this world a better place.
Recent Reflections
Because She Loved Birthdays
Yesterday was my birthday. If you read my previous post, then you'll soon realize my birthday is just two days after the day Emily died. That connection in and of itself makes my birthday a very difficult time. However, if you add in the knowledge of how Emily...
Because I’m Exactly Where I Need to Be
Yesterday was the two year anniversary of Emily's death. Like last year, I decided to spend the weekend in Knoxville with her parents. It's been months since I've made the trek, and at first I felt a bit apprehensive. I questioned whether her parents would want me...
Because We Were Blissfully Unaware
As I sat on the couch at my best friends' house this evening, watching one of them pack for an upcoming trip, I said two things that have stuck in my mind for the past few hours: "I can't believe Emily has been dead for two years now." "It feels like I've lived an...
Because Some Memories Can’t Be Erased
During my therapy session on Friday, I told my therapist I needed us to figure out "what the hell is wrong with me." I had a lengthy list of symptoms and emotions I have felt over the past two weeks, along with potential "causes." Of course, my therapist quickly...
Because She Made The Best Plus One
It has been a rough week. Monday was the two year anniversary of Emily and I's engagement, and we're officially in October. On top of that, today is a special event: one of Emily's closest friends is getting married, and the kids and I are attending the wedding. This...
Because I Was Patient
I am not normally a patient person. In fact, I'd say patience is one of those virtues God forgot to include in my personality when he made me. I struggle to hide surprises, I try hard to do all the things at once whether I can actually handle it or not, and I cringe...