My husband died unexpectedly 6 years ago. I'm so grateful for the many holiday photos and videos I have of him.

Natalie McCarter's husband died in February 2019.

Courtesy of Natalie McCarter

• Natalie McCarter is a 43-year-old mom to two whose husband died in February 2019.
• She is thankful to have so many photos and videos of her husband from their last Christmas together.
• For months, it was only her kids who kept her going.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Natalie McCarter. It has been edited for length and clarity.

The Christmas of 2018 was blissfully normal with my husband...