Patti Kimball learned about grief early in life. At the age of fourteen, her best friend Aprile died suddenly from a congenital heart condition. Aprile was a light in Patti’s life and a pillar of her community; she was brave, kind, and sensitive to the needs of people she cared about. Her absence was deeply felt by her friends and family.

Left to cope with Aprile’s tragic loss during her most formative and tender years, Patti became resilient by following Aprile’s example. Patti nurtured her own grief, allowing herself to feel and show emotions without shame.  Continue reading...