Grief! Here it Comes Again.

 

Boom! It Happens!

While driving past my turnoff to Shelley’s former residence last Saturday, I suddenly had overwhelming sadness visit me. It was noon, and about that time, twelve weeks ago, I was with her saying goodbye. She transitioned to heaven that day about 5:30. Tears came, but I quickly wiped them away and kept driving.

I was headed toward lunch with two friends whom I met at one of the memory care facilities. Their husbands were there. We connected instantly. Mr. H passed first, then, two months later, Shelley did also. Mr. C is now in the process of transitioning.

My friends understood my weepy condition. After lunch, we sat at the Olive Garden for three hours as we shared hope and help for each other.

Later, with an attempt to express emotion, I posted a statement on Facebook. I said, “Sadness is an unwelcome surprise.” People began contacting me. “Are you okay?”

Yes, I’m doing well. But I rock along thinking my grief is growing smaller, and then it hits me again out of nowhere.

The hospice company wrote me a letter and offered to talk anytime. They stated that the first year is the hardest and grief will live with me.

I’m finding that true.

A friend whose daughter died thirty years ago said she continues to have unexpected moments of sorrow.

How does one prepare for the unexpected sadness?

I’m not sure there is an answer to the question, but I have decided it will happen, so Gay, don’t be surprised.

Grief comes with loss. My heart breaks for citizens who lost everything in the California fires. There are still multitudes of homeless people in North Carolina. My friends lost beloved pets. Another one lost his job.

I Peter 5:7 reminds us to “cast our care on Him because He cares for us.”  I’m placing my name in that verse. “Gay, cast your care on Him because He cares for you.”

If you are sad today, I hope you will find comfort from knowing you aren’t alone. There are many of us out here, and we have an understanding.  The Lord God is also caring about us and our grief.

Why does He allow misery? Well, that’s another story.

I only know He cares. When the inevitable circumstances He allows come our way, He cares when we grieve.

He understands it. He experienced grief when He saw His Son endure the cross.