I'M GRIEVING

It was just about two months ago that I learned that a close family member was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease . Due to the medical findings, he likely has only a year or two to live. His attitude is amazing as he has accepted it without ever feeling sorry for himself. The way he is handling things does make it a bit easier for the rest of us.

In the midst of all of this, I have heard from multiple friends about one of their family or friends also having a challenging diagnosis. I want to say the right words to comfort them. But, in the end, there really is no right words to say. My goal is to fix things and make it better, but that is an impossible task for anyone.

I have had so many moments of feeling strong grief. There is a part of me that feels I should be able to handle it so much better than I am due to my knowledge about it all. But, then, I am human like all the rest of us. So often, it is much harder to forgive oneself than others.

Intellectually I know, that in the end, it is who is in your life; who is there for you. It is not words or hugs, but the powerful gift of love. Life, in spite of us all, it not that complicated. Embrace each moment and all of those around you . Blessedly, I am emotionally learning, that is all that any of us truly need.


I'M GRIEVING　

I have been a grief counselor for years.
I am so familiar with grief''s "up and down" journey.
Whatever one feels, is called normal.
I then guide them to process it their own way.

I understand, I validate, I normalize.
Letting one know it is okay
to go wherever grief leads you.
There is no right or wrong way to go.

Now I am grieving a loved one in my life.
I feel it should be easy as I know all about sorrow. 
I should be able to effectively handle whatever comes.
What I am learning most about it all is;
          "I am not!"

I am mostly doing fine and managing okay.
My life is wonderful and all feels normal.
Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, grief is back.
No warning; being taken by surprise.

These last few months have been hard.
So many of my friends are grieving too.
I want to help them; to ease their pain,
but something inside of me is missing a beat.

In the end, I truly know;
it is not the words, but the heart.
It is not the gestures, but the love.
Love is what strongly embraces us all.

Sadness; grief; sorrow;
          no matter what;
                   love always
                            graciously remains.