Who are you?

Welcome Back, Everyone!

Today, I want to share something deeply personal—a story about loss, faith, and finding peace. It’s a journey that shaped who I am, so settle in as we dive into the moments that changed my life forever.

A Year That Rocked My World

Life has a way of confronting us with the unexpected—sometimes in ways we’re not prepared for. My freshman year of high school was one of those times. In the span of just a few months, I experienced the loss of two people who profoundly impacted my life: my grandfather, Jack Visage, and my classmate, Joelle Dalgleish.

Jack Visage, or “Poppa Jack” as we called him, was larger than life. I’ll never forget his booming laugh, wild stories, and his unshakable love for golf (and a good saucy sandwich). He supported my passion for soccer like no one else. His sudden passing was a shock to my entire family.

The trip to his funeral was a blur, but one moment stands out in my memory: my dad’s speech. It tore through me. Watching my father grieve his own dad was heartbreaking in a way I’d never experienced before. It forced me to confront the question we all wrestle with at some point: “Where do we go when we die?”

At the time, I buried those questions deep inside, choosing to focus on the busyness of life—school, soccer, homework, repeat. It felt easier to keep moving than to let myself feel the weight of it all.

Joelle’s Life, Joelle’s Legacy

Toward the end of that same school year, tragedy struck again. My Pre-Calc classmate, Joelle Dalgleish, passed away on May 17, 2017. Joelle was sweet, bright, and full of kindness—the type of person who radiated light wherever she went. Her death shook me in a way I wasn’t prepared for, but it also changed me in ways I didn’t expect.

At Joelle’s celebration of life, they played a video she had made before she passed. Watching it, I could feel God’s presence in every word. It was clear to me that He had carried her home and was using her story to reach the rest of us.

Through her, I learned a powerful truth: this life belongs to God. He is in control of when, where, and how we are called home. There’s freedom in surrendering to that truth—freedom in letting go of the need to control every detail and simply trusting Him.

A New Perspective on Life

Joelle’s legacy and Poppa Jack’s memory brought me to a place of peace. If I were to die tomorrow, I know I’d be going Home. My purpose isn’t to leave a legacy for myself but to leave one for God—showing His love through my words, actions, and relationships.

That year ended with an unexpected high: my soccer team won the state championship. At the time, I didn’t realize what a full-circle moment it was—a closing chapter on one of the most life-altering years of my life.

Since then, I’ve felt God’s presence in ways big and small. I see Him in the red cardinals that greet me, the winds that whisper reassurance, and the prayers that are answered in ways only He could orchestrate.

To God Be the Glory

This is the story of how I found faith and how God saved me. It’s a story of loss, love, and letting go. If you’re reading this, I want you to know how thankful I am for you. Yes, you. I love you, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Until next time! Xoxo.

Aves