A Small Light in the Dark

A Small Light in the Dark: Writing My Way Through Another Year Without Him

Cooper should be turning 27. And yet here I sit, quietly missing him, holding the weight of another year he doesn’t get to live.

I find myself hoping for even the smallest sign — something to let me know he’s close. But I also smile at the thought that he’s probably far too busy… socialising, laughing, living exactly as he would have.

No time for his mum — and isn’t that the bittersweet truth of raising strong, independent children? In life, I taught him to fly, and now he has flown far beyond my reach.

The ache of his absence never softens, but especially not on days like today.

Finding Purpose in the Lead-Up to Coop's Birthday

Over the past months, as this day approached, I found myself needing something gentle to hold onto — something that honored Coop while giving me a sense of purpose.

So I began writing.

Little by little, in the quiet, a story formed.

Today, I’m sharing that I’ve written a children’s book to honor Cooper — and to honour all the children who were taken far too soon.

The story began as an idea for my family, so that future generations would know him — the family member they will never get to meet. But as I wrote, I realised this story holds meaning for so many others:

• for every child who loves someone they’ve never met,

• or only knew for a short time,

• but who remains part of their family’s heart.

It is a story about connection, memory, and the love that stays.

A Gift for Coop, and for Other Families

Writing this book has helped me survive the heaviness of these months. It brought comfort into a space that often feels unbearably quiet.

So today, on Cooper’s 27th birthday, my gift to him is this:

I am releasing the cover of my children’s book, and pre-sales are officially open. It will be available in early 2026.

My hope is that this story offers comfort to other families trying to keep their child’s memory (or another family member's memory) alive for future generations —a small light in the dark for anyone carrying a love that never ends.

Always missing you, Coop. Forever 25. Forever loved.