Love, Loss, and the Courage to Let Love In

After 9/11, living in Manhattan in a traumatised city, my espresso dating life was generating very little joy. My therapist said something that stayed with me:“Let go of your childhood loss and let love in. Be open to future joy rather than protecting yourself against potential loss.”A few months later, on 14 December 2001, Graham walked into my Manhattan apartment.Within seven seconds, I knew.He did not need me. He wanted a relationship with me. And this time, I let him in.The rest is happy history. I married Graham and embraced the Clarksons for life. Today, with three grandchildren, True, Barnaby and Willow, and another on the way, I continue to treasure our marriage and family in ways I could never have imagined back in 2000.In 2024 we renewed our vows. These words still guide me:“Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”I am reminded that love is not about certainty or protection. It is about openness, courage and choosing connection, again and again. What is your love story?