In this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Arik Housley, father of Alaina Marie Housley, one of the victims of the 2018 Borderline shooting. Arik opens his heart and shares how he’s navigating life after unimaginable loss through his bestselling book Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience. We reflect on the bittersweet nature of holidays, memories that live on in the smallest gestures, and what it means to turn a day of tragedy into a movement of gratitude and grace.
We explore the tenderness of father-daughter connection, the last moments they shared, and how Alaina’s light continues to shine through stories, signs, and service. Arik shares how he and his wife Hannah leaned into each other through grief, emphasizing presence, communication, and the decision to focus not on gun control—but on healing, love, and ending hate. If you've ever lost someone suddenly or felt your way through public pain, this episode will remind you that love always leaves a trail, and you don’t have to walk grief alone.
Connect with Arik: https://arikhousley.com/
