January 16, 2026

Better to Have Loved

“’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson

Loving deeply leaves an imprint on the soul. The loss of a child creates a silence no one else can fill. Many grieving parents question whether the pain outweighs the joy they once felt. Love’s presence changes us forever, even when the loved one is gone. Memories carry both sweetness and sorrow. The love shared with a child remains a vital thread in the fabric of life. That love shapes the person grief touches, offering strength amid the ache. Grief does not erase love. Instead, grief reveals love’s lasting power.

Loss can feel unbearable, as if the heart will never heal. The emptiness may seem endless and overwhelming. Many parents discover that grief is not a problem to fix but a journey to live. Accepting the loss does not mean forgetting the love. Each day offers moments to honor the past and find small pieces of peace. The legacy of love shapes the way forward. Loving and losing becomes a story of resilience and courage. That story belongs to every grieving heart who carries love beyond loss.

The experience of loving and losing connects many parents in quiet ways. Shared grief often brings a deeper understanding and empathy. The pain of loss becomes a bond between those who have walked this path. Love lived fully cannot be undone by death. Those who grieve hold a sacred place in the story of love. Their courage to keep loving honors what was lost and nourishes what remains. Love gives meaning even after loss touches the heart.

Thought for today: Embrace love’s power within your grief. The love you carry honors both your loss and your life.


On August 16, 2017, my son, Anthony James Cristello, took his own life at the age of 35. That day, I joined a worldwide club no one ever asks to be part of.

Thank you for letting me share my experience, strength, and hope with you. I only ask this: believe that I believe—hope is possible.

Bob

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