I sit on the shoreline of grief watching the waves.
They vary in their intensity as they cascade over me.
Sometimes they are gentle and fleeting.
Other times, I am so overwhelmed by their power that I feel as if I cannot breathe.
I struggle under their wake for a time and then they return to the sea.Â
Once again, I feel the warmth of the sun and I am at peace.
Grief is a very difficult and mystifying experience. One moment you are feeling fine, then a person, place, familiar experience, even a song, can prompt a wave of grief that is so intense you feel like you will drown under its influence.
My husband has been gone for almost two months now. Some days it feels like an eternity since I looked into his sweet face. Other days, it feels like only yesterday. I can recall a memory of him and laugh with joy. Then, the next moment, I can be reduced to tears. Such is the nature of grief.
I am certain that many of you understand my words all too well. You are on the shoreline waiting for the next wave, wondering if you will survive it. But, you don’t have to go through grief alone. There are people, family and friends, who would like to be there for you. Find someone you trust and share your heart.
There are also grief counselors available to listen and lend support, as well. I have found that having someone listen and validate my experience has been very encouraging.
If you have had a loss in your life, I am so very sorry. I pray that your heart will be healed and you will experience joy once again…very soon.
With deep empathy,
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives