Given the chance for a do-over, I would choose Alberto’s life over my published memoir and TV series now in development. I loathe that I found my voice only through losing him, and yet the idea of nothing positive coming from his loss would be far more dismal.

I didn’t immediately realize that the manuscript I started a few weeks after his death would become my grief therapy and gateway to a new career. I started writing because drunk-dialing the same 10 people ceased to be a comfort but I needed somewhere to go with my memories and regrets. In the five years since, I’ve discovered that grieving can be a freeing, creative act. Through writing, blogging and speaking about my grief, I am able to absorb my loss. Alberto’s life and death have become part of my own narrative, life and purpose.

On this journey, I’ve encountered people whose grief has motivated them, instead of destroyed them. Here are six of the many individuals who have given their grief profound expression and purpose. They’ve achieved goals — running for office, premiering a movie, starting a foundation — that are common to the bucket lists of many young Americans. And the common link between these people and us? Loss.

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