• My grieving aunt moved in with us after my uncle died, and we thought we were helping her heal. • Instead, she became the loving, steady presence who held our young family together. • Looking back, her influence didn't just comfort us — it shaped who we are today.

When my uncle died suddenly after 35 years of marriage, the loss was earth-shattering. My aunt and uncle had one of those rare, lifelong love stories: they met, fell in love instantly, and were engaged within six weeks. They created a life together in the Seattle area and eventually built their dream home in the foothills of Mt. Rainer. And then, without warning, he was gone.

My aunt was devastated. The life she had built — her routines, her community, even the view from her kitchen window — became unbearable reminders of

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