Life goes on…

Lord Tennyson said, “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” That quote applies to many different kinds of love.

The wounds of loss heal but they’re never far from the surface and easily opened. I can be going along just fine and suddenly be brought down to my knees with grief and sadness. Today is one of THOSE days, my mother’s birthday.

I was blessed with a wonderful mother who was kind, loved her children and always tried to help others. So much of me is patterned after her. I have many happy memories, many of them preparing family meals. To this day, there are recipes that can bring me to tears. Those recipes invoke visions of her mixing, baking and delicious smells of times gone by.

There’s an unfillable void in my life. I have family and friends but there is something different about a mother’s love, an unbreakable bond. My mother passed away over 28 years ago and I often wonder how I’ve made it this far without her. That sense of loss is always there, sometimes more prevalent than others like holidays and special life events.

We all know death is a part of life. I’ve learned a few things about grief over the years since I’ve lost both my parents, a brother and good friends that were like family.

So let me share a few thoughts;

Life goes on whether you’re ready or not.
There’s nothing anyone can say to take away your pain.
Being emotional, crying doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.
Everyone deals with grief differently, some cry and others dive into work. Do what works for you.
Find someone to confide in but you don’t need to share your feelings with everyone unless that’s how you cope.
Time heals.
Gone does not mean forgotten. Celebrate their lives with pictures and storytelling.
Keep the happy memories alive and let the rest go.
Faith helps. It brings me peace to think they’re in a better place.
Find peace wherever you can. I find peace in nature.
Find your purpose in life and move forward the best way that you can.

Live the life that you have always wanted. Live the life they would have wanted for you.

There was a time when I couldn’t, wouldn’t let anyone close enough to break my heart. I’ve learned to break down the walls of protection and open my heart to love again.
I know they’re gone but not forgotten. I carry them in my heart and mind.

Take one step at a time then one day at a time and before you know it you will be moving forward. Until we meet again…