Your life is altered by the illness and death of someone you have loved, cared for, supported – a wife, husband, partner, parent, child or close friend.
“The Grief that you feel has been compared to waves that come and go. Some days the water is more turbulent or stormy, but on other days there is a sense of calm and a quiet lapping on the shore. Like the waves, grief has no endpoint.”
NatR wrote, “I lost my Mom - in May. It was expected, it was a relief to me as mom had suffered a long time with dementia brought on by mini strokes... My Mom taught me how to be a caregiver, I learned from her, and followed in her footsteps.”
My dear friend Pat died in December 2011. Most every week, I (as she would say) ‘pass by’ her home on my way to the grocery store. Every time I think of her and wish I could tell her something – or more likely ask her advice.
For some the loss is new and grief may be so overwhelming that hope and healing seem out of reach.
“I wish I could go back and smell her..feel her...hear her... Is this normal? I've never lost anyone this close to me. ...Nothing feels right. Nothing... Some advice please...from anybody. ..” Jaidey
Xenia wrote, “Now I wander around, trying to keep above my wanting to be normal. Normal, what a word, I want to go back to before his illness, I want to be able to talk to him, I want...I want...like a child I want but I do not know what I really want. I know it is time to grieve and allowing myself to do so is hard ... ”
For others, time and experience may give wisdom to help, encourage and support.
“Even now, nearly a year later, there are moments when you just want to pull the covers up over your face, and not get out of bed. I don't know how long it will take, for me, nearly a year later, the calm, the acceptance, is only now settling in, but that is me, stubborn to the end, I guess. Maybe not enough Chocolate in my diet, but it does get better, bit by bit. ...” AdoptedSon
“For us, the ones left behind, life continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions. ...We are on the ride of our lives as we continue to try to keep control of our emotions and our sanity. We are survivors and although our scars don't show on the outside, our shattered lives will take a very, very long time to get through. It truly is a one day at a time thing.” Marstin
How are you surviving grief? What suggestions would you offer those whose grief is fresh?