This Week’s Topic: The 5 Stages Of Grief, How-To Start Healing + Fck Cancer

A TRIBUTE TO LYSHELLE MY PERSON

This week is a tribute to Lyshelle, she had mad names but I called her “Cracka” sometimes I would call her Pink because she loved the color so much. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words for my sister Lyshelle Bailey. On Easter Sunday April 5, 2026, at approximately 12:51 p.m. Heaven received a new Angel, Lyshelle passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. Truly one of the saddest days of my life, prolly ever. She is my person. It will be hard living without her. I miss you and love you so much. My condolences to all whom have lost a loved one especially to Cancer. Help us celebrate Lyshelle with a proper send off by donating to her GoFundMe. Thank you for your support. #fightlikeagirl #fckcancer

HAVE YOU EVER?

My heart is absolutely broken. This is unreal. I am not okay. I may be a bit selfish this time, please forgive me, but have you ever thought to yourself what is this life about? I have so many questions. In the words of Brandy: Have you ever loved somebody so much it makes you cry? Have you ever needed someone so bad you can’t sleep at night?

Did you ever imagine living without that person? You never, ever in a million years thought that they would not be around anymore when they’ve been to all your milestones in your life, like your first day of school, all your talent shows, your wedding, the birth of all your children. Then all of a sudden they are gone. How could someone that brings you so much joy, make you feel so sad and empty when they are not there. That was my Shelly. You have the right to feel a way. It’s called grief or grieving. Grieving is real but it has a twist when you have anxiety. Let’s take the proper steps to start healing. Let’s dive in.

WHAT IS GRIEF?

Grief is the emotional, mental, and physical response to loss, involving sadness, confusion, and adjustment while learning to live without someone.

OH GOOD GRIEF

Grief will come in waves, and every emotion you feel is valid. You don’t have to understand it, fix it, or make sense of it, it’s not your job to. Your job is simply to feel, to breathe, and to take it one moment at a time. Lyshelle’s life reminds us that even in pain, there is purpose, and even in loss, there is love that never leaves. It can absolutely be paralyzing. So you try to stay busy to stave off thinking about it or being distracted by your thoughts. It’s very uncomfortable. But trust in God, have faith you will come through it.

5 STAGES OF GRIEF

Here are the 5 stages of grief, this is what you feel simply explained:

• Denial - “This isn’t real.” Shock and disbelief protect you at first.

• Anger - “Why is this happening?” Frustration, pain, or blame may surface.

• Bargaining - “What if…” Trying to regain control or make sense of it.

• Depression - Deep sadness, heaviness, withdrawal, and reflection.

• Acceptance - “Not okay,” but learning to live with the loss.

Grief isn’t linear, you move back and forth between stages, and that’s completely normal.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL

My Shelly was the definition of a true fighter. In the FckThat Pink Series and podcast, her story stood as a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just about surviving, it’s about how you live while fighting. Through every stage of cancer, Lyshelle carried herself with grace, courage, and quiet determination. She didn’t let her diagnosis define her, instead, she showed what it meant to face life head-on, even when it was unfair, painful, and uncertain. From head-to-toe Shelly loved it all. She showed up for everything she was told about, she would be there cheering for you, and she meant it. The kind of person everyone needs in their life.

A GOOD SPIRIT

What made Lyshelle so unforgettable wasn’t just her strength, but her heart. She was kind, helpful, and genuinely friendly to everyone she met. She had a soft spot for kids and animals, always showing up with warmth and patience. She loved to read, always feeding her mind and spirit, even during the hardest times, and she loved to cook. Lyshelle gave love freely, and that love continues to live on in everyone who knew her. Her laugh was so infectious, and contagious. She had that laugh that makes you laugh. We would laugh for hours at each other. You ever laugh til it made your stomach hurt? That was us. I’m laughing right now.

DON’T STOP LIVING

Losing someone like her leaves a deep, aching space, but our loved ones don’t want us to stop living when they’re gone. They want us to keep going, even when it feels impossible. Honoring Lyshelle means continuing forward, carrying her strength, her kindness, and her resilience into our own lives. It’s not about “moving on,” it’s about moving with her, in everything we do.

IF LUNESTA WAS A PERSON

My life will not be same without her. That insomniac call late at night, that she never missed, almost like she was waiting for me to call. How does one fall asleep now? She was my Lunesta, my insomnia is even worse now. We both suffer from anxiety, but she would always try to help me, never worrying about herself, and I did the same for her. She is my person.

ANXIETY

Anxiety keeps your body in survival mode, making grief feel more intense, overwhelming, and harder to process. Anxiety can intensify and complicate every stage of grief. Here’s how:

• Denial + Anxiety - You may feel restless, on edge, or unable to relax, like something is wrong but you can’t fully face it yet.

• Anger + Anxiety - Irritability, tension, and snapping more easily, your body stays in a constant state”fight” state.

• Bargaining + Anxiety - Overthinking, racing thoughts, “what if” loops, and trying to mentally fix the past.

• Depression + Anxiety - Feeling both heavy and uneasy, sad but also unable to calm your mind or body.

• Acceptance + Anxiety - Even as you begin to accept the loss, waves of worry or panic can still come and go.

PROMOTION

• Share this newsletter: fckthat.com 

• Calming Anxiety Gummies By Mud Wellness Club

• Buy Me A Coffee: Donate 

Thank you for your support.

GUIDE TO HEALING

This can all feel like a rollercoaster ride. Emotions are all over the place. Here’s how to start healing by:

• Acknowledging your loss and allowing your feeling without judgement

• Express your emotions through talking, writing, or crying.

• Care for your body, seek support from others, and take small daily steps forward.

• Be patient, healing takes time, and that’s okay.

CALL TO ACTION

You’re not grieving “wrong” anxiety makes it feel heavier. When this happens what helps is to slow your body down (breathing, rest, quiet moments) limit overthinking spirals, and give yourself permission to grieve without rushing healing. Don’t forget your feelings are valid, so don’t discount them or try to hide them.

FCKTHAT 

Fck cancer. I love you Lyshelle with all my heart❤️ love you forever. You are missed. You are gone, but never forgotten 🕊️ Thanks for reading.

Catch you next Friday 🗓️

Email questions, comments, and suggestions to help@fckthat.com