Grieving with Grace: A Journey of Strength, Loss, and Self-Discovery
Tanya Edwards is a versatile West End actress with a wealth of experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Born in the UK with proud St Lucian heritage, she brings a unique blend of cultural influences to her work. Her impressive credits include iconic productions such as The Lion King, Sister Act, and Motown The Musical, where she has showcased her dynamic talent playing legends such as Suzanne de Passe & Diana Ross.
In addition to her acting career, she spent five years performing with the legendary Soul II Soul touring the UK and Internationally.
Behind the scenes, Tanya has extensive experience in backstage management, having worked with top artists like Boyz II Men, David, SWV, and Joe. Her ability to manage high-profile events and artists has allowed her to blend creativity with organisational precision.
She also has a passion for providing vocal entertainment, having worked with Seabourn on luxury cruise ships, where she combined her vocal skills with hospitality expertise to create unforgettable experiences for guests around the world. Whilst she continues to thrive in her career, she remains deeply grounded and passionate about her St.Lucian roots. The island of St.Lucia holds a special place in her heart, and in time, she hopes to share her skills and bring her creative expertise to the island, contributing to its vibrant Arts and Entertainment scene.
Follow Tanya on IG @tanyanicoleedwards
Over the past year, I’ve come to realize how much strength and grace I’ve shown, even when I didn’t fully recognise it at the time. It’s been a journey of grief, growth, and self-discovery that has allowed me to truly reflect on who I am and the deep resilience that resides within me. As I look back on the loss of my mum, I’m filled with a sense of pride—pride in how I’ve handled such an intense, emotional journey, and in how I’ve allowed myself to process it at my own pace, without forcing anything.
Grief is a strange thing. It doesn’t follow a clear path, nor does it offer any warning signs. It creeps in at the most unexpected times and overwhelms you in ways you didn’t think were possible. But through it all, I’ve managed to show up for myself and for others—sometimes without even realizing I was doing it. I didn’t force myself to be “strong,” but somehow, I’ve been able to embody strength. I’ve had moments of vulnerability and tears, but in those moments, I’ve also had moments of clarity. It’s as if my soul has quietly held me, telling me that it’s okay to feel all the emotions, that I can still be graceful while grieving.
I think what I’m most proud of is my ability to stay present. Life doesn’t stop when you lose someone you love, and in the midst of mourning, there’s this pressure to somehow keep moving, to keep pushing forward. But I’ve learned to find a balance. I’ve allowed myself the space to grieve and to heal, but I’ve also continued to show up in life, in work, and for the people who need me. I’ve been there for my friends, my colleagues, and my loved ones, even when I’ve felt like I was running on empty. In doing so, I’ve found that giving to others has been one of the ways I’ve healed. The act of showing up and being there, even when it’s difficult, has made me realize just how strong and capable I am, often without consciously trying.
A big part of my healing journey has been reconnecting with my roots specifically, with my mother’s favorite place in the world, St. Lucia. That island has always been a place of happiness for us, and now it feels like my own personal haven. It’s not just a location; it’s a deep connection to my mum, to our shared memories, and to the island’s spirit that lives within me. St. Lucia has always been a symbol of joy, calm, and escape, but now it also feels like a sacred space where I can remember her with love, not just with sadness. It’s as if the island wraps its arms around me, reminding me of the love my mum had for it and by extension, the love she had for me. Whenever I’m in St. Lucia, I feel her presence in the air, in the waves, and in the sunsets. The island calls me home in a way that feels comforting and right.
Being reflective and more pulled to St. Lucia has taught me the importance of nurturing my soul. I think my mum would be proud of how I’ve been able to navigate this grieving journey with such grace. She always encouraged me to be kind to myself, to find joy even in the most difficult of times, and to embrace my own strength without forcing it. I realize now that in so many ways, I’ve embodied that. I haven’t rushed the healing process, but instead, I’ve allowed it to unfold naturally, trusting that each day will bring me closer to a sense of peace.
At the same time, I’ve been able to cherish the memories of my mum while making space for new experiences. I’ve learned that grief isn’t something you ever “get over,” but it’s something you learn to live with. And over time, it becomes a part of who you are. My journey through grief hasn’t been a straight line, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to the person I’m becoming. A person who can show up for herself and for others, who can grieve with grace, and who can find solace in the things that truly matter—family, memories, love, and connection.
Looking back, I realise just how far I’ve come. I’ve been proud of myself not because I’ve been perfect, but because I’ve allowed myself to feel everything. I’ve given myself permission to heal in my own way, and that’s been the most powerful act of self-love. I’m still a work in progress, but I know now that being kind and gentle with myself is enough.
The grief journey is never linear, and sometimes, it feels like it’s impossible to carry on. But in those moments, I remember that grace doesn’t have to be forced. It comes naturally when you give yourself permission to feel, to grieve, and to show up in the world, just as you are. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become through this process—stronger, more connected to my roots, and ready to embrace whatever comes next with open arms.
