Emely and Kealey

These sisters aren’t letting loss define them.

Emely, 20, and Kealey, 17, unexpectedly lost their mother ten years ago. They both struggled to cope at first but began to heal after they started coming to group nights at Valerie’s House.

The girls are now Valerie’s House Ambassadors and help lead grief groups. They even help with our Spanish-speaking families, as the sisters are bilingual.

“Valeries House has helped me with my grief journey by helping me realize that I am not alone and helping me make connections with the people around me,” Emely said. “It’s helped me allow myself to feel my grief and to learn how to express it. Valerie’s House has helped me honor and remember my mom.

Kealey agreed and recalled how she’s changed since first coming to Valerie’s House.

“Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent,” Kealey said. “I’ve now realized that feeling a lot of emotions is normal and that I will be okay because I have people supporting me. I have learned to accept help and not deal with things by myself. It’s okay to not be okay.”

In addition to being able to talk about their mom, Emely and Kealey have learned several positive coping skills since coming to group nights at Valerie’s House.

“Some things I like to do include listening to music and practicing deep breathing,” Emely said. “I also like to journal or just type my feelings out, but my favorite is talking to a person who I trust.”

Kealey said she likes to copy by spending time outside to help get her mind off things.

Although the girls are just starting their lives as young adults, they have big plans for their futures.

Kealey sees herself going to college and becoming a flight attendant.

Emely said that she wants to help grieving kids just like her.

“In the future, I imagine that I will have graduated with my master’s degree in social work,” Emely said. “I want to work somewhere like Valerie’s House, helping families in need and making a difference in the community.”