There is no way to avoid the pain that comes with the death of a loved one. I was reminded of that recently when my step father passed. He made it almost 93 years. A good life. My dad… too soon. Only 61 from a massive heart attack. It was traumatic, to say the least. But when violence is part of the equation, a lot of unanswered question remain. And in 1998, my dear friend Kristina Filler was confronted with many. Still to this day, in fact. Gun violence. Murder. And in a blink, her father was gone. Why? It's been over 20 years since Kristina lost her dad to senseless gun violence. And since that time the stages of grief have propelled her into activism. Amplifying the message to "Hold Your Fire", the t-shirt campaign she created that has raised over $12,000 in just four years for Everytown for Gun Safety. But what's different about Kristina is that she's doing her best to make activism "less of a drag" and even fun. Is this possible? I think so. I've witnessed it first hand as I also share a loss from gun violence. On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Kristina gets real about her approach to fighting for tougher gun laws. As a mom now, it's the rocket fuel that makes her message even more meaningful with a bit of a punch to get the powerful point across…glitter included. You'll find out how she's making activism easy and practical so anyone can make a difference. Including you. Because when it all boils down to it, there's always humor behind the healing…complete with funny shorts. You'll have to listen to hear more about that. Plus how you can "Hold Your Fire" and support keeping our country (and kids) safe and guns off the streets. If you would like to be part of the change, support Everytown for Gun Safety and sport one of Kristina's Hold Your Fire shirts, you can purchase them at bonfire.com/hold-your-fire. All proceeds go to Everytown. You can also Text 644-33 to receive actionable text alerts from Everytown. It makes activism easy and practical. Connect with Kristina on Instagram @kstar810 or on her website kristinafiller.com If you or someone you know needs additional support and want to know how Hilary can help you on your healing journey, connect with Hilary and set up a call to find ways to turn your own traumas to triumphs and HUG it Out for healing. Connect here: https://hilaryrusso.as.me/hugitout HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoCreated/Hosted by Hilary Russo Music by Lipbone Redding Recorded on SquadCast (Free 7 Day Trial) Connect with HilaryInstagram: @HilaryRusso Twitter: @HilaryRusso Facebook: @HilaryRusso TikTok @hilisticallyspeaking Website: www.hilisticallyspeaking.com