Life After Loss

By Sara Shock, Staff Photographer/Writer|March 8, 2018

Junior Reed Keller was only 13 years old when his mom Lori passed away from cancer at the age of 49.

Keller had a very close relationship with his mom and considered her a best friend. His favorite thing to do with her was simply talk. “Everyday we talked about something new,” says Keller.

He admired her unique sense of humor and interest in others’ hobbies. She had a very caring personality and was never quick to anger, according to Keller.

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After my mom died, the realization that I’ve only got one life really hit me hard

— Reed Keller

“We took in a family for a week one time because their housing situation wasn’t the best,” says Keller. “She offered to help people who wouldn’t otherwise get it.”

After her passing, Keller felt that he had to be strong for the family, so he hid his emotions for quite some time. It forced him to grow up a lot faster than he wanted to.  However, he learned a lot throughout the coping process. He now tries to live his life to the fullest and doesn’t let the little things bother him.

“After my mom died, the realization that I’ve only got one life really hit me hard,” said Keller.

His family went through stages of grief at different times. The grieving process definitely was not easy, and even today Keller still has his bad days. Luckily, they are few and far between. Both him and his family have come a long way, and they can finally function normally in their day to day lives.

But Keller has helped his younger siblings get through the worst of the tough times.

“[Reed] has been there for us when we need someone to talk to and has been a role model for us,” says his 15 year old younger sister Hollie Keller. “We will always have someone to count on.”

To those who are or were in his position, Keller says it will take time to get over certain feelings. The amount of time it will take can vary, but with time, living with the feelings is possible.

“However you feel during the stages of grief is valid, no matter how ridiculous you might sound when you say them out loud. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, everyone does it differently,” says Keller. “Make sure that you reach out and talk to people if you feel like you want or need to.”