Life changed forever for Days of Our Lives’ Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) and, indeed, all of the cast, when Bill Hayes passed away at 98, after over half a century as Salem’s beloved Doug Williams. Back in December, Doug was finally laid to rest, just one month short of the first anniversary of Hayes’ passing. On Sunday, January 12, at a time when Los Angeles itself was in mourning from the fires tearing through it, Seaforth Hayes marked her husband’s passing with a touching mix of life’s mundane continuation and the memories and love left behind by those we’ve lost. “Today is the first anniversary of Billy‘s passing,” she shared.

“The sun came out and the winds decreased over sad Los Angeles. I made myself a poached egg- Billy‘s favorite breakfast. His light still shines on me and all who knew him, near and far. Lives end, stories finish… but the love they bring holds us all together, even through time itself. And what a light was Mr. Hayes.”

“Beautifully put,” Deidre Hall (Marlena) wrote to her beloved friend. And Kelly Moneymaker, whose husband Peter Reckell (Bo) worked with both of the Hayes for decades, shared in the comments, “Your love for each other has always been an inspiration. We’re wrapping you in love, Susan.” We’re sure she’s not alone in drawing inspiration not just from the love the happy couple shared offscreen, but also the one fans got to witness virtually everyday as it played out on Days of Our Lives. It’s rare that we get to see such a joyous, loving couple for so many decades, but their inspiration to do better and love better will guide us for the rest of our lives. Take a look at her post below.