Contributions by Rachael Hill

One surviving spouse shares about teaching her young sons some of the intricacies of adulting — including taxes during this stay at home time.

For one surviving widow and her two boys, this day is now etched into their minds and brings with it sorrow and tears, but also pride in remembrance.

Since my husband’s death in 2010, Veterans Day has always been my hardest holiday.

Responsibility can be an overwhelming thing, especially when you feel like it is all on you s a single parent.

It has now been five years since I watched you put on your boots, grab your coffee cup, and head off to work for the very last time.

I became more present in each day and when I did that, the excitement and enjoyment of life started to return…and so did that sparkle.

Jeff continues to be a part of our lives because as the song says, a love like that isn’t easily forgotten.

I know that the work is worth it in order to continue living the way I want to live, which is to simply be happy.

On October 26th, 2014 I ran the Marine Corps Marathon with TAPS, my second ever full marathon!

In one breath four years seems like an eternity, but yet in another it feels like just yesterday.

I feel like I am finally ready to let some of it go and only keep what truly matters most, but it still isn't easy.

Change is sometimes the only constant we can rely on in our lives. No matter how good or bad a situation is, at some point it will inevitably change.

I can't imagine what this world would be like without laughter in it! You will never hear someone say they felt worse after a good laugh.

Every day I wear a black bracelet on my wrist with my husband's name on it. I never take it off.

It is no surprise to say that there a gamut of emotions that go along with grief.

Three years? If it has really been three years, then why is it when I close my eyes I can still feel his arms around me and hear his voice?

I have learned that on these difficult days I need to stop pulling away from my family and friends…for they are the ones that ultimately get me through.

Survivor and veteran, Rachael Hill shares her journey to making Memorial Day about remembering those veterans who have given their lives.

This is not the life I chose, but I am choosing to make the best of it. I am content with where I am right now.

I took myself out of my comfort zone in so many ways and I succeeded by pushing myself to do something new and out of the norm.

For my kids especially, I have realized that their grief is going to be an ever-evolving process.

When it comes down to it though, Christmas is not about the presents and cookies, but rather it is a season of love.

I am thankful for the 13 years I got to spend with my amazing husband and the 2 beautiful boys we had together.

Just as grief is a journey, faith is a journey and there are always going to be bumps and turns along the way.

However, at the end of the day this is my reality and I know that sometimes I just have to face it head on, no matter how much it hurts.

I miss my best friend. That friend that knows you better than you know yourself and you don’t have to give any background information when telling a story.

We all need support, no matter what may be going on in our lives, and when you lose someone close to you that support is what helps get you through.

I will always be thankful for the 13 years I got to spend with Jeff and the love that we shared was, IS, enough to last a lifetime.

Birthdays and anniversaries are days that can be both happy and difficult…especially when you have lost someone you love.

On May 19th I ran my first full marathon in Fargo, ND with the TAPS Run and Remember team.

Never in a million years did I think I would be a widow and a single mom to 3 and 5 year old little boys at just 31 years old.