Grief. It’s a word that doesn’t even begin to encompass the crushing weight, the sharp pangs, the echoing emptiness. It’s an invisible pain, a constant ache that no one else can see. It comes in waves, crashing over you at unexpected moments, then receding, only to return when you least expect it.
You know you need to move on, but how? The world keeps spinning, but you feel stuck, staring at the shattered pieces of your life. It’s like a broken plate – a cherished part of your world, fragmented and seemingly beyond repair.
Planning a funeral for someone you envisioned growing old with is a cruel twist of fate. We’re never truly prepared to lose the ones we love, whether it’s a parent, spouse, child – the loss shatters our sense of security, leaving us lost and confused.
“New normal” feels like a slap in the face. Nothing about this is normal. We are social creatures, built for connection, and losing a loved one rips a hole in the fabric of our community. How do we go on when a part of ourselves is gone?
The truth is, there’s no single answer, no magic formula for healing. But there is hope. You will put your feet on the floor each day, even when it feels impossible. Here are some things that might help on this difficult journey:
- Allow yourself to feel. Don’t bottle up your emotions. Cry, scream, rage – whatever you need to do to process your pain.
- Seek support. Talk to friends, family, a therapist – anyone who will listen without judgment. Grief support groups can be a powerful source of solace.
- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits might feel inconsequential, but they build resilience.
- Find healthy outlets. Journaling, creative expression, or spending time in nature can be helpful ways to navigate your emotions.
- Remember them. Share stories, look at photos, celebrate their life. Keeping their memory alive is a way to keep them close.
There will be good days and bad days. There will be moments of laughter mixed with crushing sorrow. This is all part of the grieving process. Be patient with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
You won’t forget them, and the pain won’t completely disappear. But with time, the sharp edges will soften, and you’ll learn to carry them with you as you rebuild your life. The broken plate may never be whole again, but it can become a beautiful mosaic, a testament to a love that will never be lost.
