Contributions by Rachael Hill
![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2020/2020jul-hill.jpg)
One surviving spouse shares about teaching her young sons some of the intricacies of adulting — including taxes during this stay at home time.
7/7/2020 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2019/2019may-hill1.jpg)
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.
5/27/2019 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015nov-vetsday.jpg)
Since my husband’s death in 2010, Veterans Day has always been my hardest holiday.
11/11/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015oct-rachel.jpg)
Responsibility can be an overwhelming thing, especially when you feel like it is all on you s a single parent.
10/22/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jul-rachel.jpg)
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.
7/28/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jun-rachel.jpg)
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.
6/26/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015mar-rachel.jpg)
Jeff continues to be a part of our lives because as the song says, a love like that isn’t easily forgotten.
3/27/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-hill.jpg)
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.
2/24/2015 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014dec-hill.jpg)
On October 26th, 2014 I ran the Marine Corps Marathon with TAPS, my second ever full marathon!
12/8/2014 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jul-hill.jpg)
In one breath four years seems like an eternity, but yet in another it feels like just yesterday.
7/28/2014 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jun-hill.jpg)
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.
6/9/2014 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jan-hill.jpg)
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.
1/27/2014 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013dec-hill.jpg)
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.
12/16/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013nov-hill.jpg)
Every day I wear a black bracelet on my wrist with my husband's name on it. I never take it off.
11/4/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013sep-hill.jpg)
It is no surprise to say that there a gamut of emotions that go along with grief.
9/9/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013aug-hill.jpg)
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?
8/5/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013jul-hill.jpg)
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.
7/15/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013may-hillflag.jpg)
Survivor and veteran, Rachael Hill shares her journey to making Memorial Day about remembering those veterans who have given their lives.
5/22/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013may-hill.jpg)
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.
5/13/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013mar-hill.jpg)
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.
3/18/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013feb-hill.jpg)
For my kids especially, I have realized that their grief is going to be an ever-evolving process.
2/25/2013 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012dec-hill.jpg)
When it comes down to it though, Christmas is not about the presents and cookies, but rather it is a season of love.
12/24/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012dec-hill.2.jpg)
I am thankful for the 13 years I got to spend with my amazing husband and the 2 beautiful boys we had together.
12/10/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012oct-hill.jpg)
Just as grief is a journey, faith is a journey and there are always going to be bumps and turns along the way.
10/28/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012sep-hill.jpg)
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.
9/24/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012aug-hill.jpg)
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.
8/20/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012aug-hill2.jpg)
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.
8/20/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012jul-hill.jpg)
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.
7/27/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012jun-hill.jpg)
Birthdays and anniversaries are days that can be both happy and difficult…especially when you have lost someone you love.
6/18/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012may-hill.jpg)
On May 19th I ran my first full marathon in Fargo, ND with the TAPS Run and Remember team.
5/23/2012 - Rachael Hill![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012apr-hill.jpg)
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.
4/16/2012 - Rachael Hill