Kaye has lost six family members in fifteen years—parents, sister, husband, daughter, and grandchild. Yet speaking with her feels like basking in sunshine. Her resilience isn't from avoiding grief but from facing it directly and choosing joy alongside it.

The most challenging aspect of her grief journey? "People being afraid to talk to me," Kaye reveals. We explore how our society's discomfort with grief creates isolation when connection is most needed. Kaye shares that often all someone needs is a simple "Are you okay?" or an invitation for coffee—acknowledgment without perfect words. While support often fades after a few months, the need for understanding continues for years.

Kaye speaks with particular compassion about losing her daughter. "Until you've been there, you don't really know what it's like," she explains, describing why she makes a point of connecting with other bereaved parents. There's profound comfort in knowing others have walked a similar path and survived.

Today, Kaye approaches life with remarkable purpose—volunteering, dancing, singing, and even "being foolish." Her Bradley Residence community provides the support network that combats isolation, where neighbours check on each other and share both sorrows and celebrations.

Her advice for those grieving is beautifully simple: "Take every invitation... Don't stay in the house... Find something happy or simple every day." This isn't about denying loss but honouring it by continuing to fully live. As Kaye wisely notes, those we've lost "don't want you sitting in the corner crying all day."

Have you experienced grief that others seemed uncomfortable discussing? Share your story or reach out for support—connection is how we heal together.