I never had the chance to meet Brittany.

I came into Carrie's life after she was already gone. But I have heard about her every day since. I have watched what her loss does to my wife. I have watched what this community does to help her carry it. And I have shown up every year because of that, because Carrie's healing depends on this work, and there is nowhere else I would rather be.

Brittany would have been my stepdaughter. From everything I have seen and heard, she was a giving person. Much like her mother. The apple didn't fall far.

I am not someone who talks about grief easily. But I know this: Brittany should still be here. And if the work we do, the shows, the walks, the conversations, the showing up, can reach even one person at the edge of that decision and show them that things get better, then we do it again next year. And the year after that.

That's why I'm here. That's why I keep coming back.

For Carrie. For Brittany. For the ones still here who need to hear it.