Words for the Journey

From the author: This is an article you can share, send, or forward to others to help them understand the grieving heart a little better.The pain is real

Happiness was a distant, unreachable goal in 2007 after four family members died. These losses—my daughter (mother of my twin grandchildren), father-in-law, brother, and the twin’s father—devastated me. Life had never seemed so bleak. I wondered if I had the strength to endure such tragedy. Doubt didn’t stop me from learning about grief, using this information, and doing my grief work.

This is my art workthat I work on everyday.i also write in a journal to make things okno matter what's happening I must center and prayThat no matter whattomorrow is a brand new day Thank you For listening and here my criesNobody knows how I feel insideonly me, which can be frightening at times 

Please hold on to all my loveThe memories that I left for youThe times we shared a laugh and smile

 Because we knew that my daughter was dying, I believed I was prepared for grief. I was wrong. No matter how much we prepare, everything changes. These aspects of grief surprised me.1. Losing time

It's almost a year, that you are no longer hereit feels empty with out you.I want to live my life guilt free andknow I did all I could doIt wasn't up to me I had no comtrolyou leaving this earthIts almost a year andit still hurts I can't believe it's almost a yearthat you are no longer here

It's not just her presence I missit's her voiceit's the tilt of her headand the shape of her neckthe way her feet fit perfectlyboth in the palm of my handit's those deep brown eyeswith just a touch of the holythe almost ever present smileno matter what we were facing...

When you gather a group of people who have lost a loved one, one topic that inevitably comes up is what to do with the “stuff".

One year ago you were still here with meNow you are in heaven looking down to seeI am fighting this fight of grieving insideIt's exhausting hiding it and having to smileI stand tall and hide my frownFor the world to think I am wearing my crownI take a deep breath and look up to the skyI am hoping to still be the apple of your eye

A storm wakes meMy living room filled with flashing lightI turn my headI see redI want to runto the ocean or the mountainsSomewhere I can catch a sunrisein peace A storm like drumsA storm full of sadnessA storm in the dark of night I smell the air and remember