Walking Through Grief Together

Other than the loss of my wife, the toughest part has been being alone. And this is not pity or a plea for sympathy or playing the victim role. It is just reality.

 Dianne was my person. We did everything together for almost 47 years. We knew each other’s strengths, weaknesses, wounds, and victories.

 And then, she was gone.

 Her physical presence.

 Her personality.

 Her spark.

 Her everything.

 The only thing left was silence and absence.

 Call it an earthquake. Every aspect of life was turned upside down. Loss. Pain. Sadness. Overwhelm. Uncertainty. Not to mention the emotions, mental confusion, or physical exhaustion.

 Again, this isn’t for anyone to feel pity for me. This is the path all people in grief walk. Alone.

 One truth became immediately apparent.

 Walking through grief alone was going to be sketchy. Too much to bear, process, and face. Alone.

 To walk through grief together means to share the experience of loss and mourning with someone else who understands and supports you. It means to have a companion who can listen to your feelings, offer comfort and empathy, and help you cope with the challenges of grief. It also means to be a companion for someone else who is grieving, and to offer them the same kind of care and compassion.

I didn’t think I was weak.

 I didn’t think I was losing it. Though I did question my sanity a few times.

 I was missing a person. A presence. A mirror. A support. An encourager.

 When I found the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt and his companioning model for grief. I knew that was  what I wanted to learn more about and eventually embrace for the rest of my life.

 If you want more information or better understand what “Walking Through Grief Together” looks like, click the Talk to Randy button and send me a note.

 I look forward to talking with you soon!