Sometimes I get tired
Embracing the Waves of Grief: A Journey of Coping and Hope
Grief is a powerful, all-encompassing emotion that doesn't follow a straight path or a set timeline. Even years after a loss, moments of grief can still arise unexpectedly, catching us off guard and leaving us feeling lost once again. This experience is both deeply personal and universally human and quite frankly, sometimes I get tired of it coming on all of a sudden.
The Sudden and Gradual Waves of Grief
Grief doesn't have an expiration date. It can hit suddenly, like a tidal wave crashing down, triggered by a song, a scent, or a memory that resurfaces out of nowhere. These moments can be overwhelming, as if the loss happened only yesterday. At other times, grief creeps in gradually, like a slow-rising tide, with feelings of sadness and longing that build up over days or weeks.
Both experiences are normal, and it's okay to feel its weight even after many. Recognizing that these moments are part of the grieving process can help us rather than fight against them.
Coping with the Resurgence of Grief
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's important to give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions arise. Denying or suppressing grief can lead to greater distress. Allow yourself to cry, to feel sad, and to miss your child.
Reach Out for Support: Connecting with others who understand your experience can be incredibly comforting. Whether it's friends, family, or alumni, sharing your feelings can be helpful.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Recognize that it's okay to have bad days. Engage in activities that nurture your body and soul, such as taking a walk, meditating, or journaling.
Create Rituals of Remembrance: Honoring your loved one can bring a sense of peace. Light a candle, visit a special place, or engage in an activity that reminds you of them. These rituals can provide comfort.
Finding Hope in the Journey
One of the most challenging aspects of grief is wondering if it will ever get better. The truth is the longing for your child will never disappear. However, it is possible to integrate it into their lives in a way that allows for moments of joy and fulfillment alongside the sadness.
Over time, you may find yourself able to smile at memories, and experience days filled with more light than darkness. This doesn't mean forgetting your child; rather, it means finding a new way to carry their memory with you.
Embracing a New Normal
Grief can reshape our lives in profound ways. By acknowledging our feelings, and practicing self-compassion, we can navigate the waves of grief and find a new normal that includes both the sorrow of loss and the possibility of hope.
Remember, it's okay to feel lost in grief, even years after a loss. Each wave you face is a testament to the love you shared.
