Sunflowers at sunrise

The strength of community in hard times

In my last post, I wrote about courage—the quiet kind that helps us navigate uncertainty. But I’ve been reminded lately that resilience isn’t just about pushing through alone. I recently lost my grandma, and in the midst of grief, I’ve felt the deep impact of the communities I’ve built. My colleagues, friends, and family have shown up in ways big and small, reminding me that resilience isn’t just endurance—it’s allowing others to help carry the weight.

This is my first real experience with grief, which is a blessing in itself, but navigating this kind of loss for the first time is unfamiliar territory. What’s stood out most is how my community has shown up in ways I didn’t expect—thoughtful check-ins, extra support at work, the simple presence of people who care, even a plant sent from a friend in another state. These moments remind me that resilience isn’t about going it alone; it’s about knowing when to lean on others, which isn’t always easy. It takes trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to accept help—something many of us struggle with.

This experience has reinforced my belief that the communities we nurture—at work, at home, in our daily lives—are some of our greatest sources of strength. In a world that can feel isolating, showing up for each other matters more than ever. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about holding each other up, creating space for both struggle and healing, and recognizing that we don’t have to do it all ourselves.

Kaley Bontrager

Project Manager