Grieving Out Loud: Finding Gratitude, Signs, and Legacy in the Journey

Grief is a journey that changes you forever. It’s heavy, it’s layered, and it’s filled with moments that only make sense when you look back with a thoughtful heart. Today, as I sit with my emotions, I find myself grieving out loud, because grieving out loud is therapeutic for me and also reflecting on the legacy of my UniqWarrior, my daughter Jahmya.

Gratitude at Booker T. Washington Sr. High School

This morning I returned to Booker T. Washington Sr. High School for a training, and my heart was filled with emotions. This school will forever hold a special place in my life as a mother and as Jahmya’s mommy.

This day of the week was always her favorite because of CBI (Community Based Instruction). Every Thursday & Friday, she would go on her weekly trips, and she loved them so much.

But I’ll never forget Thursday, April 17th her last trip. My UniqWarrior did what she always did: pushed through with strength and joy. When she returned, she had to go to the nursing station. That’s when the doctor on site jumped into action and identified the problem.

That was the day we found out my baby girl was in heart failure, her heart functioning at only 17%. 💔

If it wasn’t for the staff at Booker T. Washington Sr. High School and their quick action, my baby’s life may not have been saved that day. For that, I will always be grateful.

GRIEF IS HEAVY, but so is GRATITUDE.

The Spiritual Significance of 17

Sitting here in this training zoned out and my mind all over the place so I keep reading my post and a light 💡 clicked! 17% on the 17th! I immediately go to the Bible App and educate myself. As I look back, I realize there were signs I didn’t catch in the moment while life was “lifing”. But now, connections come together in powerful ways.

Her heart was functioning at 17% on the 17th of April.

In the Bible, the number 17 symbolizes VICTORY and RESTORATION after order and completeness (10 representing order + 7 representing perfection = 17). It represents overcoming trials and being victorious despite challenges. Numerologically, 17 reduces to 8 (1+7=8), which symbolizes eternity, resurrection, and new beginnings. Even in her trials, Jahmya’s life reflected strength, victory, and eternal purpose.

Holy Spirit, I hear You. My God.

Honoring Jahmya’s Legacy

When people say: “Jahmya was a warrior in her daily life and an inspiration, a strong testament to God’s Grace, Mercy, and Compassion,” I can only respond with gratitude. Thank you because that means everything. Mya truly was a warrior, and I will forever keep her legacy alive.

Sharing isn’t always easy, but grieving out loud is therapeutic for me. If my story can help even one person know they’re not alone in their grief, then it’s worth it. Through every word, every memory, and every testimony, I will forever carry Jahmya’s legacy forward.

Grief and gratitude live together in my heart. I honor my UniqWarrior journey, the places and people who stood by her, and the divine signs that remind me she is still with me. Her story is not just mine, it’s a testimony of God’s GRACE, MERCY, and ETERNAL VICTORY.