I am not my brother's death.

I don't want to be defined by my brother's death.

Of course it's affected me and changed me immensely.

It's broken me and turned me into someone I no longer recognize.

But I am so much more than the girl whose brother died of an overdose.

I am a writer.

I am a teacher.

I am a cook.

I am a daughter.

I am a girlfriend.

I am a bilingual speaker.

I am a runner, a yogi, a surfer.

I am am empathetic, caring, loving person.

I am a warrior.

And I will keep fighting.

I will keep trying to let all of these things shine through this relentless thunderstorm to show people that I am me.

I am not my brother's death.

I am Hannah.