Life often presents us with challenges that shake the very foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, facing unexpected adversity, or adapting to significant changes in our communities, the road to healing can feel overwhelming.

Have you ever been told to “look for the silver lining” in a hard time, only to feel like the advice was distant, cold, or out of reach? For artist Ashley Joan, the silver lining never felt like enough. It implied waiting for the storm to pass before finding anything worth holding onto.

Today, we are sharing two tales from two tables that reflect the things that social media is not able to capture: the hurt that comes with the season and the hearts that hold it.