You’re patiently waiting, tail moving almost imperceptibly. You glance my way every now and then as I go about our nightly routine. Turn off lights, plug in phone, set alarm, turn down comforter. Sliding into bed, I lie on my back and wait for you to join me. I feel you jump on, my outstretched hand ready to receive your soft, furry head. You nudge my fingers, already purring loudly in anticipation of the love you are about to receive.

Remember how the beginning of each September was always filled with excitement? The unofficial start of autumn, that deliciously hectic season of fall festivals and apple picking, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, decorating and cookie baking. You had already started listening to Halloween music, and probably already saw Nightmare Before Christmas at least once.

Sylvia’s life forever changed on September 15th, 2017, when her daughter, Kaitlyn – KK – Cook, died by suicide at the age of 14. She gives credit to The Compassionate Friends (TCF) for getting her through the initial months of crushing grief.