01/10/2024
One of the most painful losses in life is the death of a loved one. It turns life upside down in ways that are difficult to describe and endure.
But there are so many other losses that are painfully hard and lead to deep grief. Some of these losses are secondary after the death of a loved one and some of these losses stand alone.
Regardless of the how, what, where, when, and why, it's so important to recognize all of these losses and to give yourself permission to grieve for them.
In recent days, there has been a lot of press about hurricane Helene. Not only did far too many people die but the damage and wreckage left behind is catastrophic.
Of course there will be deep anguish, pain, and grief for those who lost their lives this past weekend, but it's also important to note that there are so many other things people are grieving for in the aftermath of these brutal storms.
Scores of people are missing, hundreds of roads are closed, millions are without power which impacts daily life, hundreds of homes and precious belongings are just gone, and there is a dangerous lack of food, water, medication, and supplies.
The list will go on and on for days, weeks, and even months.
I bring this up because it's important to remember that there are so many things we as human beings grieve for. It's not just the death of a loved one and while this is one of the biggest losses human beings must face, there are other losses that are life changing and test people every single day.
Natural disasters, fallout from war, loss of a home and belongings, loss of a job or financial security, pet loss, divorce, loss of health or mobility, loss of youth, loss of friendships, loss of stability and security, loss of hopes and dreams.
This list barely scratches the surface but it's critical to be aware of the many different ways loss shows up in life and just like there are so many things to live for , there are so many things to grieve for.
I'm sending you lots of love and if you are grieving at all - regardless of the reason - please know my heart stands with yours.
Michele