Loss is hard to talk about. People don’t know what to say to those who have lost someone, because there are no words, there’s no easy fix. All one can do is try to understand the life that preceded the death, to show support and love for those who grieve.

The late Chester Bennington’s ex-wife, Samantha, shared a note today about her ex-husbands passing. Samantha and Chester were married from 1996 to 2005, and have one son together, Draven. Samantha used her note to express spirituality in the face of devastation. Though she and Draven are heartbroken, they are able celebrate the beauty of his life.

Samantha and Draven firmly believe in what they call “soul contracts.” A soul comes into the world with knowledge of its destiny. Once a soul completes its destiny, it moves onto the “next level.” This higher plane of existence is where Bennington now sits, occupying a space with “a higher vibration of energy.” Bennington fulfilled his destiny, “while helping others every step of the way through his music, a hand shake, a conversation, or even a hug.”

Samantha goes on to discuss the kind of person her ex-husband was. “He truly touched everyone in a positive way,” she says. “He absolutely loved singing for each & every one of you & for all of his friends & family at home all the time. I have always missed him singing throughout our home & loved it when he would visit, he would sing for us every time we ask or just spontaneously.”

Samantha and Bennington completed their soul contracts together. After meeting at age nineteen, the two went on to marry and have a son. Samantha describes Bennington as infectious, “he truly touched everyone in a positive way.”

Draven, their son, “has integrity, humility, kindness, & most of all compassion & love,” much like his father. Samantha thanks Draven’s godparents, Stefie and Moni, “along with friends & family for joining us in with a raw ruby crystal that we shared a prayer, we all kissed the stone, & prayed to chester to find peace & fill his heart with love. Then our son through it in the ocean as an offering to God/Source.”

Whether you’re a hardcore fan or someone who can weirdly recall each lyric from “Numb” and “In The End,” Linkin Park means something to you. They are one of the few bands in an era that manage to capture something raw and true. Fans responded to their sound and message, and Chester Bennington is largely responsible. Linkin Park’s debut album, Hybrid Theory went platinum in 2000, then diamond in 2005. Meteora, their second album, hit the of top of Billboard 200 in 2003, the same year MTV named them the sixth greatest band of the music video era.

Bennington’s passing is a tragedy for family and his fans. Samantha’s note is a helpful piece of closure for both.

“We also want to thank our family and friend who traveled close & far for their support & continuous love.
We will always love you Chester.
From the bottom of our hearts .. love Sam & Draven Bennington”