Walking in Memory of My Sister, Nicole Gilbert

This year, I walk in loving memory of my sister, Nicole Gilbert.

Nicole was only 42 years old when she suffered a massive stroke. She was the last person anyone would have expected this to happen to. She owned her own successful hair salon, worked out every day, ate healthy, and lived an active life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met.

Twelve years ago, our families had built homes right next door to each other. On Friday, September 5, Nicole's husband, George, came rushing to my house and said, "Come quick—something is wrong with your sister." In that moment, none of us could have imagined that our lives were about to change forever.

Nicole suffered a devastating stroke, and despite all efforts, she passed away just a few days later on Sunday, September 7.

The loss was heartbreaking for our entire family. Her daughter was just beginning 8th grade, and her son was a junior in high school. My own son, the oldest of the cousins, was especially devastated. Nicole was his person. She helped raise him while I worked, and the bond they shared was truly special.

Watching my parents lose a child was one of the hardest things I've ever witnessed. Parents should never have to outlive their child.

Even after 12 years, not a day goes by that I don't think about Nicole. I miss her smile, her laughter, her strength, and the way she always put family first. Her absence is felt every day, but so is her love.

I participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walk to honor Nicole's memory and to help raise awareness about stroke and heart health. If sharing her story can help save even one family from experiencing this kind of loss, then her legacy continues to make a difference.

Thank you for supporting me as I walk in memory of my beautiful sister, Nicole. She is forever in our hearts and never far from our thoughts.

â¤ï¸ Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.