Grief and Grieving

I wanted to talk about something that affects everyone at some point in their lives: GRIEF....We lost my grandpa over 2 months ago now and just lately have I truly started to grieve. I think it's just the realization that he isn't coming back and I won't see him until that glorious reunion in Heaven. What a day that will be!

But onto grief and grieving. First of all, I've realized there is no right or wrong way to grieve; we are all different with different coping strategies learned along the way. Some of these work and some of these don't. During the initial shock of the death it seems like most of us go into survival mode; this is the way the brain seems to shut down a little bit and protect us. I think this is how I was able to sing at his funeral and be strong for my mom and grandma. I think if I were to have to sing now that same song I would be a hot mess!

I think for me it has taken well over a month to start the grieving process...realization, and then acceptance, and starting to find a new 'normal.' Whatever 'normal' is...I don't think I've ever fit into that box! LOL

Being at the home of someone who is deceased is a very surreal thing isn't it? The belongings and reminders of the life that they once lived all still on display. My first response would be to pack everything away because it's too painful to see. But we can't just pack away a life that was once lived like a person never existed.

I also think that going through their belongings can be therapeutic in a way. Allowing the soul to grieve while giving yourself permission to move on. Moving on doesn't mean forgetting. It means to simply start healing. I know that it would be what my grandpa would have wanted. It's also therapeutic for me to journal and have quiet moments of reflection...I have to make time for this with a busy household but after some near nervous breakdowns these are now necessary!

My challenge for everyone today is to deal with your feelings...whether you are sad, angry, broken, or just numb. Accept these feelings as 'normal' for you and be ok with how you are feeling. Oh, and start journaling! It's so good for the soul!

D