Grief is "a part of who I am now."
Marilyn, an 18-year-old Yolngu woman, has faced a lifetime of loss. Her mother died when Marilyn was just five years old. She recalls the traumatic moment of calling Triple Zero and watching her mother being taken away.
After her mother's death, her four aunts stepped in to care for her. All four have since passed away.
At around age seven, Marilyn was placed with a foster family. She lived with her foster mother, Jill, and three foster brothers: Jacob, Kayden, and Thomas.
The most recent tragedy struck when Marilyn was 14. Her oldest foster brother, Jacob, died in a motorcycle accident. She learned of his death through a Snapchat story posted by Thomas.
In the aftermath of Jacob's death, Marilyn, Thomas, and Kayden grew closer.
Impact and Coping
Marilyn reports that she has attended more funerals than birthday parties. Grief, she says, has shaped her identity and made her stronger.
She processes her emotions through writing and shares memories of Jacob with his six children.
"I feel my brother and my mum, I feel that they're with me."
Marilyn aspires to write a book or work in a role that helps others navigate their own grief.
"That love will always carry on from Jacob."
Background: This article is part of the ABC's Heywire competition for regional Australians aged 16-22.