my second half self

Surviving and thriving through forward progressions.

Welcome! This space is dedicated to those seeking light in dark times—where grief and hope coexist, and personal growth becomes a powerful force.

My latest reflections…

Unfiltered
I’m So Strong
I’m So Strong

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.

Most Likely To Bail Us Out
Most Likely To Bail Us Out

They are watching you. Waiting for your reaction to every piece of information. Information that will never ever be positive.

Let’s Just Wing It
Let’s Just Wing It

We were cheated and robbed of our son. Our son was robbed of his life. Killed by his best friend. In a car crash attributed to alcohol. When you are with the person you trust most in the world, aside from your family, and that person makes choices that have the most extreme consequences, it makes it extremely complicated.

Now What?
Now What?

Should I jump right in and say that this world isn’t for me anymore? No. that sounds dark and cryptic, and would most likely be taken the wrong way. But, this world isn’t for me anymore, anyways. You might just understand that, because after all, you’re reading this right?…

Hey, I’m Bri.

"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."

  • "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..”