There are many types of bravery but perhaps the bravest of all is being brave enough to show up as your true self. To love unashamedly. To grieve with an open heart. To live your truth.

Lillian Haynes is a testament to this bravery, as is her inspiration Kiara Echaniz. Lilli is 19 years old and has recently published "dear Kiara: A Biographical Poetry Collection" with Kiara's parents Anne and Paul. Kiara's is a story of a young girl who loved her family and the rest of the world fiercely. Beyond preserving Kiara's story, "dear Kiara" shines a light on grief, our humanity, suicide and its signs.

Also in this episode, Lilli and I discuss the impact of being a third-culture kid. We look at the importance of not only having a village but being a villager. Grief is a human condition, we talk about the different ways we express grief and the importance of grieving.

Lilli most often expresses her emotions through poetry. I am incredibly proud to highlight some of her poems that were inspired by Kiara and found within "dear Kiara". Lilli's depth of emotion is palpable.

For more information on "dear Kiara" and Project Dear Kiara, please visit:

www.projectdearkiara.com

Please note that all proceeds from "dear Kiara" go towards the Jed Foundation and Alliance of Hope. Donations for these charities can also be made directly via the website above.

Follow on:

@dearKiara on Instagram

@ProjectDearKiara on Facebook

and Lilli can be found at:

www.lillianhaynes.com

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