I first heard the phrase “Live Laugh Love” from my vivacious Aunt (Titi) Elaine. I believe every family has at least one Elaine, they are the life of the party. My Titi’s presence was truly like having a ray of sunshine shine on you; she was that breath of fresh air. My eyes are filling with tears this very moment remembering how we prematurely had to say “hasta luego” to her. She lost her courageous fight to pancreatic cancer 4 weeks ago and I still can’t believe it.

I lost an aunt, my mom lost a sister and my beloved cousin, Melissa, lost her mother. It hurts like Hell for me to accept so much sadness. Scripture tells us that encountering the valley of the shadow of death is inevitable. It isn’t something we could bypass, skip over or go around. At some season in our lives, we all must walk through this treacherous valley, and we shall not fear because God is with us. (Psalm 23:4) It is fantasy to expect a life without suffering.

Like most of us, my Titi was no stranger to suffering. In addition to battling pancreatic cancer, she was also a bereaved mother. Elaine’s youngest daughter, my beautiful cousin Danielle, joined our good Lord in Heaven when Dani was only 14 years old. That was 15 years ago! 🙏🏽💔 Thoughts of my Aunt’s incredible strength are what carried my broken soul the night I learned of Eva’s death. After Elaine heard about Eva, she sent me the most encouraging email based on her own painful experience. To sum it up she pretty much reassured me, “You got this!” And for those nights where the pain would become unbearable she reminded me that she would always be there for me.

“Selfishly I admit that I am broken and terrified to live without you, my Titi. Your bright light will never be replaced. When I imagine all the pain that you courageously endured, I am in awe. Where did your Heavenly strength come from? How did you always find a way to live boldy, laugh endlessly and love completely, despite all the pain in your heart? How are we to carry on without you?”

After leaving my Aunt’s funeral I challenged myself to go forward and shine my light, just as she always did. In a way, I feel called from God to turn my test into a testimony, as bravely as my Aunt did. He blessed me with her and now, in her absence, I feel compelled to step up to the plate.

I challenge you to also shine your light for the world to see. Never let anyone steal your joy. Live, laugh and love to the fullest, even when the going gets tough.