Life Keeps Moving — Even When Your Heart Is Still Healing

Dad Gave Two People the Gift of Sight ❤️

This week, something happened that brought me to tears. My father, Bruce Kempen, was an organ donor, and I received a certificate from the Lions World Vision Institute honoring him for his final gift.

And then I read the words that stopped me: Because of my dad, two people now have the ability to see.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/9d50b9_c943df183a1c478fbe077fc552cfbfe4/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

I’ve spent these past weeks trying to understand what life is supposed to look like without my dad here. Grief comes in waves. Some moments I’m okay, and other moments something small can bring everything rushing back.

But this was different. These were tears of joy. ❤️

My dad gave someone the ability to look into the eyes of someone they love. He gave someone the chance to see a sunrise, a child’s face, a smile, and all the colors of the world around them. Things most of us probably don’t stop to think about very often. And now two people can experience those things because of him.

What an incredible gift. What an incredible legacy.

It doesn’t take away the sadness of losing him. Nothing could. But there is something beautiful and comforting about knowing that even after leaving this world, Dad was still helping someone else. A part of his story continues. And somehow, so does mine.

Life Doesn’t Stop

That’s something I’m learning right now. Life keeps moving even when your heart is still healing.

Graphic: Life Doesn’t Stop

The kids still need you. Work is still there. The house still needs attention. And the grass definitely keeps growing. 😂 There are workouts, school mornings, appointments, lunches, projects and a thousand little responsibilities that don’t disappear just because you’re grieving.

At first, that can almost seem unfair. But lately I’m beginning to see those ordinary things differently. Maybe they’re part of the healing too.

Back to School, Back to Routine 🎒

This week meant the first day back to school for my daughter. And naturally, Mom had to come to the rescue with a change of clothes because of the dress code for her shorts.

Good old Sandalwood. 😂 Mom duties never stop!

It was such a normal little moment, but right now I’m appreciating normal more than I probably ever have before. The morning routines, the rushing around and even the things that used to feel like just another thing on the list — they’re life. And life is pretty precious.

Showing Up 💪

I got myself back into the gym this week too. After a much-needed rest day, it felt good to put the headphones in, get moving and focus on something positive.

I’ve always said, stay motivated and keep moving. Those words hit differently now. Some days being strong means crushing a workout. Other days being strong simply means getting out of bed, getting dressed and showing up. Both count.

Boss Mode 💼

There was work too. Office time. Business-owner mode. Goals that still need chasing.

I’ve always believed that when you want something in life, you stay focused and determined until you make it happen. I’m still that person. Grief hasn’t taken away my ambition or my dreams. If anything, losing someone you love reminds you just how limited and valuable our time really is.

So I’m going to keep building, keep working, keep dreaming and keep showing up.

Taking Care of Me 🥰

I also gave myself permission to enjoy a little self-care. I received a complimentary facial from Dr. Basile’s office, and it felt AMAZING. I left feeling refreshed and a little more like myself again.

I think that’s important too. You don’t have to feel guilty for smiling when you’re grieving. You don’t have to feel guilty for laughing, working out, getting dressed up or simply having a good day.

Loving and missing someone doesn’t require us to stop living.

The Little Moments ❤️

I had lunch with my hubby at Chili’s this week too. Nothing fancy, just the two of us having lunch together. But I’ve been thinking differently about moments like that lately.

Sit across from the people you love. Talk to them. Laugh with them. Take the picture.

Enjoy the ordinary afternoon. Someday you realize those ordinary moments weren’t ordinary at all. They were your life.

Home Sweet Home 🏡

And yes…the house projects continue! We had new skirting installed this week, and it looks amazing. Strong Skirt USA did a fantastic job.

Between the landscaping, mowing, yard work and everything else we’ve been doing, it’s so satisfying to stand back and see our home coming together.

Little by little. Project by project.

Funny enough, that’s probably a pretty good description of healing too. You don’t wake up one morning and suddenly everything is okay. You just keep working on it, one little piece at a time.

Keep Moving ❤️

When I look back at this week, there were workouts, workdays, school mornings, home projects, self-care and time with my family. There were smiles. There were tears. There was grief. And there was life.

Maybe healing isn’t about getting back to exactly who you were before. Maybe it’s learning how to keep moving forward while carrying the people you love with you.

Dad reminded me of that this week. Somewhere out there, two people can see because of him. His story didn’t simply end. His kindness kept moving forward.

And so will I.

Keep showing up. Keep loving your people. Keep appreciating the little things. Keep moving. ❤️

— Ashley Marie