Love and Light: Strength in the Struggle
By Leigha Randolph on April 02, 2025 from Love and Light
Life is NOT easy. In fact, it’s part of the human experience for life to suck from time to time. Often times, we find ourselves coasting through life when out of nowhere, we are sideswiped by a tragedy.
Unfortunately, I have been sideswiped by a tragedy or two. I was a good person that said my Hail Mary prayers religiously, dressed nicely, and still bad things happened to me.
I had some serious words with God about it and attended a great deal of therapy sessions. As time went on, I discovered that the tragedies that almost killed me emotionally and mentally, were also the things that gave me a NEW and purposeful life.
I lost a beautiful daughter, Julianna Faith. She lived only four hours after birth and died in my arms. Why did this happen? It wasn’t fair to me or my family. I ate right, exercised, did all the right things, and read all of the books. It was beyond hard for me to process. After many years, I have grown tremendously in wisdom and strength through this storm.
Here is what I learned through my tragedy…
Firstly, life is a precious gift, and every single moment is a divine blessing. Secondly, I learned how to stop existing and start living! Tomorrow isn’t promised or guaranteed, we must live for today. Thirdly, I have a unique bond with other parents that have lost a child. We can lean on each other in moments of sadness by helping each other navigate through our grief. Fourthly, I learned not to sweat the small stuff for it truly doesn’t matter. I remember previously obsessing over things that didn’t matter at all. Lastly, I learned that every life no matter how short or long has purpose. Julianna’s cells helped other babies in need of cells to live healthy lives. My daughter lives on to help others. How beautiful is that?
As you can see, life is not fair sometimes. I share my story to help you persevere through the muck and find your strength through the struggle.
Love and Light,
Leigha
Pictured above is me hiking to the tip-top of Seneca Rocks, W.V. two years after losing my daughter, Julianna Faith.
Read more Love & Light by Leigha Randolph HERE.
