Billy Lord writes beautifully about his grief on the 8th anniversary of his mother Carrie Fisher's passing.

Billie Lord is stronger than she knows. She has given hope to those who are grieving by sending a message every year on the anniversary of her mother Carrie Fisher's death.

The actress has a deep well to draw from, as she also lost her grandmother, legendary actress Debbie Reynolds, just days after her mother died. [And on this, the eighth anniversary of the Star Wars icon's death, Lord's words (shared via Instagram) are poignant and heartbreaking, especially about what it's like to lose a parent and deal with the swells of grief and joy that filter in equal waves feels like the perfect tribute when you are a parent yourself.

“It has been eight years since my mother passed away. As my son would say, “That's a lot!”

“I have always dreaded this day. I always dread this day. I spend the days leading up to it thinking about how awful I'm going to feel. And my fears are usually right.

“I woke up this morning with a dark cloud hanging over me. But when the kids woke up, the dark clouds were gone, replaced by bright, shining sunlight.” The anniversary of her death is like an emotional rainforest. It rains most of the day, but the light in between storms is more beautiful than a day without storm clouds. There is no rainbow without rain.”

She went on to add: Anne Lamott famously said that grief is “like a broken leg that never fully heals, like learning to dance with a limp, even though it still hurts when it gets cold.” And that perfectly describes how I feel today. Yes, Griefweather may be cold and I may be limping, but I am absolutely dancing throughout my life. Besides, I dance better with a limp.”

Lord concluded his post with a final thought about feeling everything at once and letting the moment be what it is. He wrote: “My grief has given me a deep appreciation for all the little moments in my life. So today I am griefful (sad but grateful). I see the magic that is my son and daughter and I know she is part of that magic. And I feel all of it. Sadness. Joy. Longing. Magic. Emptiness. Fulfillment. And all of it coexisting in a profound way. Sending love to all who need it. ❤️”

Sending it to everyone who is feeling a little sad at this traditionally joyous time of year.