-
Death is becoming all too familiar to me......
- Feb 23, 2009 at 8:02 PM
- By
- Comments (12) Total Views (144) Everyone can see this journal post.
I've been doing a little rambling to myself in a Word document today, in between working here in the office. Just thought I'd share my thoughts and feelings of today .........
2/23/2009
Death is becoming all too familiar to me, much more than I'd like. I understand death is something no one can escape. However, that doesn't change the fact that it's extremely difficult for those of us left behind.
I've lost a child, a parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, a best friend, many close friends, and some acquaintances. And, now, with the loss of my brother-in-law, my hero, a man I've loved, respected and admired, it's just becoming more than I care to handle. I've also suffered through the mourning with loved ones who have lost special people in their lives, who I never knew personally.
•- Each one a more intense reminder of our own mortality.
When someone we love passes on, we hurt and we grieve. The emptiness and the knowledge that we will never again be able to hug that person, fills us with pain.
Selfishly and emotionally we want them to remain with us, even though we know (intellectually) that they are most likely better off right where they are.
There are reasons, I'm sure, but they are just not apparent to me at the moment.
Death is a part of life.
Depending on your beliefs, it could mean the beginning of a new and better life. Or it could be the absolute end of everything.
In any case, it definitely is an emotionally heartbreaking part of life.
When I reflect back on the memories of those I've loved in this lifetime and have lost, there have been many - some much more difficult than others.
The more I've loved them, the more painful it is.
But, when I seriously think about it, I'm grateful for any time I've been able to share with those I've loved.
Although I do not believe in living in the past, this is one time I do believe it's healthy to smile for the beautiful happy memories shared with someone who has gone.
It's not easy to let go, to say the least. This is a time of mourning, but also a time for practicing letting go of attachments of all kinds.
With each passing, I have learned some type of lesson. Maybe that's a part of what this dying thing is all about.
Each time one of my loved ones passes on, I am confident that I've gained one more guardian angel to watch over me and guide me through the rest of my journey in this lifetime. And, I've acquired one more pair of arms to welcome me with a hug when my turn comes.
One of the most important lessons learned is the value in the practice of gratitude and love, appreciating each and every moment that I'm blessed to continue this journey in this lifetime, with those whose path crosses mine. I've also become mindful of accepting all of life's little annoyances with grace, patience and tolerance. Without those pieces of my life, I too, would be dead. There really is no benefit in allowing those nuisances to invade the serenity of my precious life.
My commitment to myself is to live within each present now moment. Today I feel an even stronger focus toward that purpose. It's not simply words when we say that we never know when our life will end, or when we will lose someone we love.
Tags: death, loss, grief, grieve, sadness, pain, hurt, difficulty, love, respect, mourning, thoughts, feelings, suffer, mortality, emotional, life, dying, passing, memories, share, lesson, focus, committment, value, gratitude, acceptance, grace, patience, tolerance, understanding, now, purpose, importance
Comments:
Such a great post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts...I agree acceptance and growth are definitely part of the process. And, living one's life fully with gratitude and love is (I think) the key to being able to accept whatever may come. I hope you and the family will join together over the next few days and be able to celebrate the life your BIL had...remembering the good times and the impact he had on others while here with us. If not for him...we wouldn't have you! My thoughts and prayers with be with you all.
xo - Loving you sweetly. Thank you for sharing such personal thoughts with us.
Sharing your thoughts with others is a good way to help you through this difficult time .... I find that with all the losses in my life "my cherished memories" is what sustain me .... "Big Hugs" Motherdove
Your heart is on your sleeve on this one Ginny,
and what a sweet heart it is....
I love you.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Ginny.
God Bless, and may warm loving memories of your loved ones sustain you. I have too much experience in loss myself, and can honestly say I understand. You have a special soul.
The ying & yang of love. It feels so good, but also hurts so bad. Your focus on gratitude will get you through...allow yourself to feel all that comes along with loving each & every special person who touches your life. ((hugs))
Thanks for sharing Ginny. I'm sorry for your loss.
Want to leave a comment and join the discussion?
Click here to register for CafeMom
Already a member? Click here to log in
Around CafeMom
Check out some of the top posts today in Groups:
((((((GINNY))))))