08 February 2018

Hard

They say that we all grieve differently, that the process for each person is both similar and yet not. We don't have much in the way of instruction, once it happens we look for answers, we read about it but that's always after. I don't know anyone who studied grief before grief descended upon them.

When we're young and we're busy falling in love we often hit the ropes a time or two. Heartbreak happens, we learn to love over time. We when lose the person we fell in love with it there isn't a gradual learning slope, and so we all learn to cope overtime but it isn't like we know how in the beginning.

I'm writing this now, for all of the people who have tried to help me. Know that I understand that your thoughts and prayers were genuine. I also know that I have not returned communications, nor have I reached out, I haven't talked to a lot of people that I should, because I can't.

My mechanism for coping has been to be alone for the most part, I know I've withdrawn from the world because I can't currently function within it. Of course I am taking care of my children, they've become what keeps me upright. Outside of them though I don't talk to other adults unless I have to. Not because I don't care, but because I simply can't.

Carol was my strength for so long that I had forgotten that I needed to be strong for myself. My outward appearance for all those years with everyone I worked with in the world was one of strength and confidence, and it was true. Largely do to her belief in me and her support.

I have felt like the legs have been kicked out from under me. I have stumbled, there is no doubt.

I am aware now that the 'healing' isn't coming. I am not going to be healed of this wound. I accept that. I will endure it. As a friend once said to me, "there is no moving on, there is simply, move forward'. I understand and accept this.

Often, each morning after I get the kids off to school I sit at our giant kitchen table where so many meals and conversations had been shared and I stare at her chair. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night because I heard her voice, she said my name. Then the sleep fades and I know I am alone in the dark.

I walk in my woods again, down the paths through the birch and the aspen. I pass by the carving I made in the giant aspen the year we moved here. The snow is soft this year, and silent. I drift through the tall spruces that stand now twice the height than they did the first time I walked them. The creek still sings when I near it, but the song sounds different. I watched a young doe nervously chew needles and bark from a sapling and slowly drift away from me.

Spring is a long way off and winter is still upon us.




4 comments:

  1. We all have to deal with our pain and grieve in our own way, I guess. I like the quote about moving forward instead of moving on. She will always remain in your heart and you will have to find peace with it.

    Although I only know you through your blog, I wish you good luck finding your own way to deal with this! But do always remember that there are always friends, family or even social workers you can reach out to if you need it. There is no absolutely no shame in sharing your grieve. I will pray for you. I hope you and your children find a way to keep moving forward.

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  2. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, just grieve. Grieving is a process that just needs to happen in its own course. Listen to the still quiet voice in your heart and live in the moment, it is Carol speaking to you. Carol will always be with you, and trust in your heart Carol only wants the best for you now and in the future, as she did when she was with you in body.

    Grieve and move forward, one step and one day at a time.

    Prayers and smoke continue to be raised for you and your children.

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  3. Hej Jim,
    good to hear from you....
    My heart bleeds seeing your pain. I recognize the agony caused by loosing a keyperson in your life. These massive emotional and mental wounds heal as their physical counterparts do, leaving a huge, ugly scar, always remaining sensitive. They never go away.
    As for the grievingpart, yes we all do that differently and alone. None can help.

    But through your words of pain also shines strength. Strength by showing your anguish and desperation, strength by admitting your socalled weaknesses, strength by facing them and even more so by carrying on.

    But for all your misery caused by a piece being ripped out of your heart I can only hope you will not forget to still love those near to you. And to not forget to let you be loved by those either.

    Strength and respect, brother.

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  4. We all deal with grief differently and I'd like to share sonmething that has helped me and some close friends in a loss of our loved ones. Look not at the loss, but at that they are always their just as they have been. This person we may not see any more but we see everyday. They do not just vanish from our lives they are a part of us joined with us forever as long as we still be. They will never be gone. Our love one as we are was known to God and saw him as a friend as do we. Know that they are there in your heart and with God and have only begun the journey we are all meant to partake. May they watch over us until we join them in the eternal light. Peace Brother my heart goes to you so you may find strength and a hand from your stumble. It is yours as long as you need it

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