When Everything Takes on New Meaning

Thank you, dear soul, for being here today.

It is easier when we are together. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing this moment of my life with me.

A few weeks ago, our family's life changed forever. Our eldest son, Kristofer, was tragically killed in a car accident during his military service. Today marks forty days since he left us. It feels like the right moment to pause, to remember Kristofer, to give thanks for his life, his presence, and all that he brought into our lives. And to lovingly allow him to continue on his own journey.

A Mother's Journey

These forty days have taken me to places within myself I had never known before. Grief has opened questions about life, love, and death that have no simple answers. Sometimes it is difficult to tell what is real and what feels like a dream. Sometimes it feels as though the world has stopped turning. Sometimes all that remains is the question of what truly matters in this life.

Only a mother knows what it means to carry new life within her for nine months. To watch that tiny child grow into a young adult finding his own path. To stand beside him, celebrate his joys, and love him without conditions.

And then, one day, to learn how to let go.

A Final Goodbye

Today, on the fortieth day since you left, I simply want to say:

My dear Kristofer,

Thank you for choosing me to be your mother. Thank you for the twenty-one years we shared—years filled with sunshine, adventures, laughter, discovery, and love. Looking back now, I no longer know which of us taught the other more. You taught me, and I taught you.

Thank you for the closeness, the trust, and the heart connection we shared. Thank you for touching so many lives with your smile, your hugs, your courage, and your beautiful way of simply being yourself.

Now, I let you go.

And while I am still here, I choose to live.

To truly live.

To find joy.

To love.

And to make the very best use of this precious life.

When my own time comes to leave this world, we will meet again. Until then, I will carry you in my heart.

Thank you for being my son. Always.

An excerpt from the Celebration of Life held on May 4, 2025.