The Things We Do For Love

Shortly after Justice died, we started planning her funeral; when asked who would give Justice's eulogy, we were clueless. We had no idea who we could ask to do something so important to us. Who could possibly talk about our child with as much love as I could? I decided the only person who could do the eulogy was me.

I sat down and wrote my daughter's eulogy on June 28, three days after Justice died. Three days after our lives, our family and future changed forever. I hope I made Justice proud as I shared Justice's life and personality with everyone who loved her.

As I stood in front of hundreds of people sharing these words, I remember feeling like an out-of-body experience. I hadn't slept or eaten food in days. The reality of Justice's death still didn't seem possible, but I knew it was true. I remember thinking, I needed to get through this day and then possibly the next day check myself into a mental hospital.

I never went to a hospital or did any drugs for depression or anxiety. I just dug deep and went into survival mode and focused on getting through each day. As I look back, I feel like I survived with grace. I hated when people would tell me how strong I was; I thought at the time, I had no choice. Although I think about the strength it took to get me to this point, I am proud of the person I have become.

On the first anniversary without my baby girl, I have decided to share Justice's eulogy with all of you.