Somer Pickel, a nurse who lives in southern Appalachia, here to share about the life of her daughter, Avalynn, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and faced incredible struggles during her brief, but beautiful, life. Somer also gives a deep and honest look at the emotions and challenges she experienced from a mother’s perspective. If you have someone in your life who is a caretaker for those with health conditions, or know someone who is grieving, Somer gives incredible insight regarding how to love on and care for them. Because I have a background in professional counseling, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer a trigger warning: we will be discussing death of a child, emotional and physical struggles, therapy, and grief. February is synchronistically Heart Month, which includes Congential Heart Defect awareness, and if you would like to learn more about CHD, or donate to research and assistance for families, please click the link below.