Grief is hard and it can be painful. Many people try to avoid it at all costs, or they suppress it and not deal with the grief because they see it as a negative emotion. Sally Kim on the other hand took her grief and directed its energy to create a positive and joyous life. She is living her life to the fullest, not just for herself, but for her family, her friends, her fiancé, and for her old boyfriend who was taken too early from this world. 

Sally, at the mere age of twenty two, lost her boyfriend at the time, Jon, in an accident while studying abroad in Rome. She has always been known to be an optimistic, cheerful person, but this tragedy triggered something deep inside her. 

Before Jon's death, Sally had never experienced anything as traumatic in her life, and it challenged her positive view of the world like never before. She felt as though her eyes have been forced open to really acknowledge the little blessings in life she's never noticed, nor acknowledged before. Sally realized that there are so many things to be grateful for everyday that she is alive — friends, family, love ... and even the ability to live another day, is a gift. 

Grief is unexpressed love, and holding on to the memories is a way of staying close to the people we have lost. However, it doesn't have to be painful. The pain of grief can be redirected in creating a life that is positive, happy, and full of gratitude. Just like Sally! 

In loving memory of Jonathan Campbell Bennett ... where ever you are, Happy Birthday Kid!

Donation for a bursary in honour of Jon can be found in the University of Waterloo website, here! 

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