The First Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays are
the hardest when our loved one has gone before us.
As time goes on, counting weeks and holidays cease to
be foremost in our minds.
I spoke to a lady this week whose daughter suddenly
passed away forty years ago. She said, “Even after this many years, something
hits me unexpectedly, and I grieve again. Don’t be surprised when this happens
to you. It is normal.”
Without warning, her daughter left this Earth. I had ten
years of knowing mine was leaving. Which is worse? I can’t say. Both are equally
hard. I grieved a lot in advance. This lady grieved a lot after the incident.
Grief can be caused by different events. Divorce. Loss of wealth or health. Loss of a job.
What do we do to combat the sorrow?
I found suggestions on the Internet. Here they are.
1. Take
care of ourselves.
Right! That is easier said than done.
A friend of mine lost thirty pounds when her daughter passed away. I’ve gained fifteen.
I am a stress eater.
2. Exercise.
Okay, so I am sort of doing that. I’m
walking again and going to my fitness class. I haven’t lost weight yet.
3. Sleep
Oh my, how I’d love to do that. Another
friend who is experiencing grief over the loss of home and profession tells me
she sleeps all the time. I take Melatonin, but I’m often awake.
4. Talk
about your feelings.
I sort of do this. However, some of
my family say, “just get over it.” That is
not easy, is it?
5. Find a support group.
I I think this is a good idea. I haven’t found one yet.
I know many who are reading this blog are grieving. The
only thing I can say to us is to be patient.
I trust in the Lord, and He helps me. If you don’t
have a relationship with Him, I suggest you begin one. Start a conversation
with Him. Buy a Bible and read it. Start with the Psalms. Look up John 14 where Jesus tells us He
prepares a place for us, and we will be with Him.
Let me know your thoughts. I’m in here with you.