Not long ago, I joined a club no one ever wants to join.
My beautiful daughter Jessica, F17 died in a car accident in October 2024.
We make grief visible so love can be heard.
I am still so new to this grief, still stunned by how the world keeps turning without my Jess. And yet already, I feel her name falling out of the everyday.
Her friends are moving forward, as they should, but that means she isn’t mentioned as often anymore. I’ve spoken to others farther along in this journey, and they say it gets even quieter. Not because the love is any less. But because grief makes people uncomfortable. And because we, the grieving, don’t want to bring everyone down. We don’t want to hijack the moment.
Still… we long for more chances to say their names. To share a memory. To keep them present in the world.
That’s why I am starting the Grief Heart Project —to create gentle ways for us to share our stories. It’s a symbol, but also an invitation. A way of saying: I’m carrying someone. You can ask me about them if you’d like. Or sometimes: I’m not ready to talk, but I want you to know I’m missing someone today.
My hope is that this project helps all of us—grievers and friends alike—make space for the people we carry because love doesn’t end. And neither should the telling.
How does it work?
I created a simple symbol to help people express that someone they love has passed away and that they still carry that person with them.
The heart has a missing piece to represent the person who’s gone. Flowers grow from the open space because, even in grief, there can be beauty, especially when we think of the people we miss.
Sharing a Grief Heart on socials, wearing a Grief Heart as a pin, a sticker, or on a card is a quiet way to say:
“Someone I love is missing. I’m remembering them today.”
It can help others know how to respond. On some days, you might be open to sharing your stories. On other days, you may simply want to be seen and treated with kindness. The Grief Heart offers individuals a means to understand without requiring extensive explanations.
Whether you’ve lost someone or want to support someone who has, the symbol offers a way to keep their memory alive and to make space for love, even in the midst of loss.
The Grief Heart Project gives grief a symbol and love a voice. It’s a way to show you’re carrying someone and to invite others to remember them with you.
The Grief Heart Symbol
In this heart are cracks from loss, a missing piece that is forever missing, and flowers fed by every memory we share.
The dream is for the Grief Heart to become a universal sign that it’s okay to be open about grief. Until that day comes, a few heart add-ons can help share the message when the symbol alone isn’t yet understood.
The Standard
Let’s folks know you are supportive of the project. Until the symbol becomes more universal it is likely that people will notice it but are not likely to talk with you.
Ask Me
Wear the original with an “Ask Me About Them” add on. This is to let people know that you would like to talk about your person.
Tell Me
The original with a “tellMe About Them” add on. This is for anyone who wants to support a grieving friend or to be open to anyone who wants to share.
Be Gentle
This is a way to tell the world that you are feeling especially tender today. Perhaps it is your person’s Birthday or other special occasion or just a sad day.
Wear It. Share It. Start the Conversation.
- Shop Pins, Stickers & Downloads – Wear or share the Grief Heart to spark conversation and honor your person.
- Tips for Grievers & Supporters – Gentle ideas for starting and continuing meaningful conversations.
- Free Resources – Printable hearts, conversation starters, and guides for remembering.
FAQs
What is the Grief Heart Project?
The Grief Heart Project uses a simple, visible symbol—a cracked heart with a missing piece and flowers—to help make grief less invisible. It gives grieving people a way to signal, “I’m carrying someone I love,” and invites others to remember with them.
How can I be part of the Grief Heart movement?
The Grief Heart Project offers simple, meaningful ways to make grief more visible and connection more possible. You can wear or share a Grief Heart, join our online community, or take part in #WearYourHeartWednesday to help normalize conversations about loss. Every heart is an opportunity to remember someone and open a door to love.
What should I do if I see someone wearing a Grief Heart?
If you feel comfortable, ask about the person they’re carrying. Something as simple as, “Who are you remembering?” or “Tell me about them” can be a gift. If they don’t feel like talking, they’ll let you know, but they’ll still appreciate that you noticed. Grief doesn’t have an expiration date. Whether it’s been months, years, or decades, the love remains. The Grief Heart honors losses both recent and long ago.
Why is the Grief Heart Project Important?
Grief can feel isolating. Many people want to talk about their loved ones but aren’t sure how to bring it up, and others want to ask but don’t know what to say. The Grief Heart makes that first step easier for everyone.
Grief Heart Project 