Lost a Loved One
Lost a Loved One
I ran into someone today that had lost a loved one as I had. We both agreed that there was not much you could say to one such as ourselves that would relieve the pain we were feeling. This bothered me to the point that I began to give it some thought. I had heard most everything that people say or do at these times to comfort each other. Some just looked at me with sorrow in their eyes and perhaps a hug while we both shed tears. Others struggled as I did for ...the right words.
My wife and I found great comfort in our faith in God and His promises to his people. He reminded us through His Word that we can count on Him to help and comfort us and that this was not an end but a beginning.
We found ourselves surrounded by family and friends who shared good memories by way of word and pictures about our son and what he meant to them. Some offered a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. I am glad we were not afraid to let them in. It was good for us and a blessing for them. We are so grateful for each and every one.
A man I respect very much told me “take care of yourself”. I could sense his concern for my wellbeing in his tone. I thought about that a lot recently. I did not know exactly what he meant at the time but his words came back to me often. I don’t think his instructions “take care of yourself” would mean the same to each person but this is what I believe it meant to me, at least right now:
Do what you need to do for you.
Don’t neglect your health; you will need to be there for others.
No one can tell you how to grieve.
Give yourself all the time you need.
Don’t worry about how someone else feels you should grieve.
Don’t worry about how long you need.
Your feelings are real and they are yours.
Let others be there for you.
You will not be the same person but you will be OK.
I am by no means telling you how it will be for you. I can not know that. I can only share some of my thoughts during my time of grieving. You will have your own. CS
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