This Is Where It Ends

by Marieke Nijkamp

The only things that give us purpose are the stories that tie us together.

“Grief is one big, gaping hole, isn’t it?”

“It’s everywhere and all consuming. Some days you think you can’t go on because the only thing waiting for you is more despair. Some days you don’t want to go on because it’s easier to give up than to get hurt again.”

The air around us zings with life and possibilities—and I want to keep it that way.

You can’t always keep your loved ones with you. You can’t always settle your life in one place. The world was made to change. But as long as you cherish the memories and make new ones along on the way, no matter where you are, you’ll always be at home.”

Dad always told me there are more stories in the universe than stars in the sky. And in every story, there’s the light of hope.