Over a year ago, I created an organization called Sophia’s Voice in her honor. We help people with disabilities receive assistance and also hold social media giants accountable for protecting people against cyberbullying and hate speech. So far, we’ve worked with and made progress with Twitter and Instagram and have helped over six dozen people with medical-related expenses. I haven’t been able to work as much but plan to get back to work when my heart feels a little less shattered after her death. I know I will carry this grief and a broken heart for the rest of my life, but I want to continue this work in Sweet Sophia’s memory. Sophia changed me and made me who I am today, and I thank her for that. I found my strength and voice because of her.
Courtesy of Natalie Weaver
October is here, which means we will be celebrating Sophia’s 11th birthday without her, then all the other big holidays that follow. I know these next few months will be tough. The most painful part of all of this is missing her and aching for her, and there being nothing I can do about it. This is the deepest pain I’ve ever felt in my life and will likely ever feel. For everyone who has followed her journey, thank you all for being so kind, compassionate, and supportive. It means the world to me.
