As the calendar marks a year since their devastating loss, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, best known for his portrayal of The Mountain on Game of Thrones, and his wife Kelsey took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to their daughter, Grace, whom they lost at 21 weeks of pregnancy.
In a deeply moving post, the couple opened their hearts about the painful anniversary.
"One year. 365 days have passed since your day of birth. 366 days have passed since we learned of your death in my womb. One year, 365 days, without you here, with us," they penned.
The couple expressed their sorrow over the many firsts they would never experience with Grace: her first smile, her first steps, her first words. Each missed milestone a reminder of their profound loss.
Hafþór and Kelsey also touched on the often-taboo subject of miscarriage and stillbirth, emphasizing their desire to bring awareness to these all-too-common tragedies.
"At the end of this life, we all die, some die earlier than others, some die before they get to take their first breath," they wrote.
By sharing their story, they hope to lessen the stigma associated with pregnancy loss and encourage open discussions about this deeply personal yet widespread issue.
The couple's journey of grief began last November when they first shared the heartbreaking news of their daughter's passing.
Describing the moment they learned Grace's heart had stopped beating, they recalled the bittersweet pain of meeting her: "She is absolutely beautiful, with blonde lashes and brows and a little smile for mom and dad."
In their message, Hafþór and Kelsey reflected on the complex tapestry of grief and love that now colors their lives.
"The grief we feel will be with us forever but so will the love. All of our hopes and dreams for her have been taken away from us, but I know I will be with her again," they expressed.
As they navigate this profound loss, the couple, parents to four-year-old Stormur, ask for privacy and space to mourn.
They find solace in knowing that Grace's spirit endures through her family and that one day they will be reunited.
Their story, shared with the world, stands as a poignant reminder of the silent struggles many families face and the strength found in vulnerability.