WELCOME TO BE THE MISSING PIECE 14 "SPREADING KINDNESS ONE PIECE AT A TIME"
Our Visitors Stories
Rose Horne - Milford, CT
You may say my missing piece is my beloved Mom, Rose. She was always there - or just a phone call away - but life changes things. As I grew older, my Mom also became my dearest friend. I cherish the countless fun times we had together - so many smiles and laughs and so many conversations - we somehow never ran out of things to talk about! And sometimes it was just a visit without many words at all, just being there for the other. I will always hold dear memories of my Mom and how she supported and loved me unconditionally and endlessly. We didn't see eye-to-eye on everything but respected each other's beliefs and listened and learned from each other. My Mom passed away earlier this year. Even during the most difficult days, she had grace, courage, faith, a reassuring smile and a loving, beautiful heart. The kindness, compassion, understanding, and generosity she demonstrated throughout her lifetime always filled the hearts of her family and friends, including mine. Now, as my Mom is no longer by my side, you may say she is my missing piece. But to me, she is still that essential piece that endures. It's the piece that makes me, me, and my heart whole. - Submitted By: Debbie Horne
Charlie Barrett - Berlin, CT
Becoming a mother has changed me in ways I’m still discovering. It has softened me, strengthened me, and stretched me into someone both entirely new and more fully myself. This journey didn’t begin with certainty—but it has led me somewhere more beautiful than I could have imagined. There was a time in my life when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have children. I loved being around them—spent much of my teens and twenties babysitting—but the idea of having my own child felt distant, intangible. At best, I was uncertain. That uncertainty deepened as I navigated significant health challenges throughout my late teens and early twenties. Quietly, I began to wonder if having children would even be possible for me. In October 2020, I married Chris, and the idea of starting a family became more real. Then, in August 2021, Chris was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Once again, we found ourselves wondering if having children of our own would be possible. Fast forward to December 2022: Chris was healthy, and we found out we were expecting. On a peaceful Tuesday morning, at 10:26 AM on September 26, 2023, our son, Charles Barrett, came into the world. To say my world shifted would be an understatement—but it shifted in the most lovely way. I fell in love with someone I had been creating for nine months, and that love was immediate, profound, and all-consuming. I stayed up until 4 AM the night he was born, simply watching him breathe, in absolute awe. Since then, Charlie has taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I soon realized he was the missing piece in my life all along. Because of Charlie, I’ve discovered a strength I didn’t know I had—both physical and emotional. I’ve learned that I am capable, resilient, and completely devoted. Nothing will ever come between me and my son. People often don’t talk about how terrifying it is to love a child so deeply. To have your entire heart living outside your body, wrapped up in a tiny human who doesn’t yet understand the enormity of that love. There’s no armor that can protect you from the vulnerability that comes with parenthood, but the love is so powerful, it eclipses fear. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I know it will be filled with both immense joy and inevitable heartache. But because of everything I’ve faced and because of this extraordinary little boy, my missing piece I know I can face anything. Charlie gave me something I didn’t even know I was missing unwavering faith in myself. I will forever be grateful for this missing piece. - Submitted by Taryn Barrett
Virginia Czaplicki Clinton, CT
“My mother has always been a strong example and inspiration in my life. She has helped shape the person I am today, always leading with love and patience. Her compassion for others has taught me the value of kindness and empathy, reminding me that even the smallest acts of care can make a lasting impact. What I treasure most is her ability to listen and offer thoughtful feedback. Throughout adulthood, I find myself still turning to her for advice and guidance, and I am truly grateful that she is always there to offer support.” - Submitted By: Sara Pierson
Jordan & Dom Cyr - Fort Irwin, CA & Zac Cyr - Virginia
The missing pieces in my life would have to be my two older brothers and my sister-in-law. They are my missing pieces because they have been with me through life's ups and downs. My oldest brother Jordan is the person I can thank for my love of all things history. From the hours we spent talking about anything and everything nerdy to being there when I need someone to vent to at 2-3 AM. My middle brother Zac is the person I can thank for my grit and resilience. He has taught me that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room but as long as you can make one person's day a little bit brighter that's all that matters. Something that both of them have taught me is that family is the only thing that is certain in life. I can certainly say with 100 percent sincerity and pride that without these guys in my life I would not be the young man that I am today, and that I am truly blessed to call you family. Lastly, my sister-in-law Dom, I feel like I have known her all my life. I can still remember the day in Saint Kitts that I found out that Zac was proposing to her. She has taught me that life is meant to be lived. Even though they are thousands of miles away they will always be in my heart.
-Submitted By: Carter Cyr