my second half self

Surviving and thriving through forward progressions.

Welcome! A space born from the ache of grief and the quiet strength of survival. Here, you’ll find the raw, unfiltered reality of loss—the kind that leaves invisible scars etched into your soul. But you’ll also find light: resources, reflections, and reminders that even in the aftermath, there’s a way forward. This is a home for the ones learning to breathe again, to live again, while carrying the weight of what will never be the same. You are not alone here—this is healing in motion.

Unfiltered reflections…

Unfiltered
What’s So Great About This?
What’s So Great About This?

I will make Will proud, and I will hopefully make you all proud as well. I will always be open to connecting to others’ struggles. I will be anyone’s voice and advocate.

The Same Pain, Not The Same Story
The Same Pain, Not The Same Story

I wasn’t sure if I would connect with anyone. No one experienced a miscarriage that then resulted in a traumatic time having a disabled child 1 year later that I knew of. How would they understand my battle? So, showing up as my authentic self was all I could do. As each one of the panelists shared, there was a common theme, vulnerability. It was in vulnerability where the similarities shined through. The same stands for today.

Exceptions and Rules
Exceptions and Rules

The world today is full of exceptions to rules that have split up friendships, families, and careers. It’s sad really, and I hope we all emerge out of it soon, with few broken family ties, and hardly any wounded relationships.

I have often found myself being the exception to the rule. As a cop’s kid, I should have grown up breaking all the rules.

Control it All
Control it All

“You can only control what you can control” right? This quote came out of my mouth a couple of weeks ago when talking with a friend. It just came out. But it made me want to speak on it. I realize now that my lack of control in stressful situations is not weakness, but my humanity peeking through my sequestered soul.

Hey, I’m Bri.

A young man wearing a maroon sports jersey with the number 9 stands next to a smiling woman with blonde hair. The jersey has "FALCONS" written on it and features the Under Armour logo. They are outdoors in a sunlit area with greenery in the background.

"You’re likely here because you either know me, my loss, or you’ve suffered a loss so consuming that you need a place to lean on. I get it—I’ve been there. I’m Bri Hardy, and my world was shattered the day I lost my son, Will. That kind of pain doesn’t just hurt—it changes you. It breaks you down, piece by piece, until you’re left wondering if you’ll ever feel whole again.

But here’s the thing: even in that darkness, there’s a way forward. It’s messy, it’s stubborn, and it’s far from perfect—but it’s possible. I’m not here to sugarcoat grief or tie it up in a neat little bow. I’m here to show all of it—the ugly, the raw, the hopeful. This space is for you, whether you need a shoulder to lean on, a place to feel heard, or just someone who gets it. Together, we’ll navigate the pain, the progress, and everything in between. This is your safe space, and I’m glad you’re here."

  • Two people in purple attire smiling and posing for a photo at a crowded football stadium.
  • Smiling person wearing a red and white varsity jacket standing in a field with blurred trees in the background.
  • A smiling man and woman inside a decorated cafe, sitting at a wooden table with vintage-style posters. The cafe has Christmas decorations such as garlands and red ornaments. The woman wears a striped shirt, and the man in a gray T-shirt has sunglasses on the collar.
  • A group of four people standing on a football field. One person is wearing a maroon football uniform with the word "Falcons" and the number 9, while another is wearing a white "Kentlake Football" hoodie. The others are dressed casually. They are posing in front of stadium seating.
Martyrred Angels Foundation logo featuring a child with angel wings and banner text.

Support Families Through the Martyred Angels Foundation

Losing a child is an unimaginable pain, and no family should have to navigate that journey alone. Martyred Angels Foundation is here to offer comfort, connection, and resources to those who need it most. Through community support, advocacy, and healing programs, we stand beside grieving families, helping them find strength in the love that remains.

If you're looking for support, you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you need resources, someone to listen, or a place where your child’s name is always welcome—they’re here.

Learn more, get involved, and help us honor the lives of our angels.

  • "Hollow, silent, tearful, nauseous, nervous, complete and total decimation of all feelings inside my soul. Who can help me cope with that? No one. Grief and grieving are individual gauntlets, and in those moments I didn’t want to live through anymore gauntlets. Especially not this one."

  • "That is my role now. In my second half of life, I pledge that I will love, cherish, embrace, and hold onto anyone who needs to be held on to."

  • "A child of divorce, a daughter of an estranged parent, the daughter of adoption, a daughter of a law enforcement family, a wife of addiction, a step daughter of unusual particularities, a girl mom, a boy mom, the wife of recovery, the proud mom, and a mom of loss. A woman of substantial insecurity, and fragile self esteem who is starting to embrace the things I have always hated about myself. "

  • "So many tears, so many whys asked. So many sleepless nights that have no end and no beginning. "

a dedication to my dad…

“I chose to introduce My Second Half Self today in memoriam and in dedication to my Dad. Without him, I would not have the strength, courage, self-esteem or assertiveness to produce something like this. Without my Dad, I would not be able to carry on with life as I know it now…

…I want to connect as many of us together that are surviving and trying to figure out to thrive through our griefs and emotions. I want to make my Dad proud. I want to help all of us move through this world with understanding, grace, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it is to live without the ones who mean the most to us..”