One Year Later: Remembering Toni and Finding Strength in Love and Loss

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since we lost our dear friend, Toni. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, and other times it feels like a lifetime ago. I want to share some thoughts with you about what that year has taught me, how it feels to lose someone you love, and how life still moves forward, even when it feels heavy.

Losing Toni was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced next to losing a parent. It’s like losing a part of your heart. You miss the laughter, the secrets, and even the silly arguments that only you and that person understood. It’s weird how someone can be so much a part of your everyday life, and then suddenly, they’re just… gone. And at first, it feels like the world has stopped spinning.

But here’s what I’ve learned: even when things are tough, life still goes on. It’s okay to feel sad, to cry, and to miss her so much it hurts. That’s part of healing. But over time, I realized that Toni’s friendship was a gift, a beautiful chapter in my life that changed how I see everything.

Think about those moments you shared laughing until your stomach hurt, sharing secrets that made you feel safe, and knowing deep down that someone truly had your back. Toni was that person for me. And even though she’s not here physically, I carry her words, her strength, and her faith in my heart every day. When life gets confusing or tough, I think about what she would say, something encouraging, full of hope and resilience.

That’s the magic of friendship. It stays with us, even after they’re gone. It makes us kinder, stronger, and more grateful for the people we still have. I’ve learned that it’s okay to keep someone in your heart no matter how long it’s been and that their memory can inspire us to keep going, to be better.

Sometimes, I catch myself wishing I could pick up the phone and hear her voice again, just to tell her how much she meant to me. But instead, I hold onto those memories, the funny stories, the advice she gave, and the way she believed in me as her friend. We shared lots of, “ We listen and we don’t judge” moments. Those moments remind me that even in the darkest times, there is light that comes faith, and the hope that we will see our loved ones again someday.

So, if you’re feeling like it’s been too long or that your pain will never go away, remember this: you are not alone. It’s okay to miss your loved ones, to feel sad, and to take your time to heal. What matters most is that you carry their love with you through your smile, your kindness, and your hope for tomorrow.

Toni’s story has changed how I see the world. It’s made me care more deeply, forgive more easily, and believe that even in tough times, there is someone greater guiding us. And I want you to know that too, that you are stronger than you think, and your loved ones will always be a part of your journey.

Keep shining, keep loving, and never forget those who have touched your life in a special way. Toni’s memory lives on in all the good things she taught us—about faith, resilience, and unconditional love.

#HeyDollstrong