We are so honored to be featuring Jaclyn and her precious daughter Reagan today. Her faith is incredible, and I admire the strength she has shown amidst her tragic loss. ♥️⁣
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 My name is Jaclyn Anderson, I am 36 years old and 3 years ago I lost my daughter Reagan in a drowning accident at the age of 3. She was my first daughter after having three boys! She was and is my light. She was my calm after the storm of three boys! Haha! After losing her, I felt really lost, like I was stuck in this fog with this heavy weight on me all of the time. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to carry on as a mother to my then 9, 8, and 5 year old boys and a 4 month old baby girl. I felt like a huge piece of my heart had been ripped out of my chest. I remember waking up so many nights hoping it was all a big nightmare and quickly realizing it was all very real and that this was now my new reality.⁣
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I had some really good friends and family that would come over and stay with me daily. My mom was a huge part of that as I knew she was also grieving. She took care of my family when I physically couldn’t. God though and Jesus Christ were and are my saving grace. I never went through an angry period where I was angry with them. I reached out with all my might in prayer asking for their help in giving me the strength to carry this burden that had been given to me. In all honesty, it was in those days that I felt this tangible relationship with them and with heaven. My heart was completely broken but at the same time, never had I felt as close to heaven as I did in those days following the accident. I prayed a lot, I would read lots of books and try to understand Reagans calling as well as mine. That’s what really helped.

The advice that I would give anyone that has had to endure a loss is don’t turn your back on God. He has not done this TO you, it may have nothing to do with you. Everyone has their own path and this was Reagan’s, I just happened to be her mom. God loves all of us so very much and He doesn’t want to see us in pain or despair. He is there with an outstretched hand, waiting for us to grab hold. I’d also say keep pictures up of your loved one, talk about them all the time, and find joy again. They would want that for you!