Welcome, please explore . . .
|
While no one would willing choose grief; what can you do if grief chooses you? As you try to cope day-by-day, please keep your expectations realistic. Be compassionate and gentle to "you."
If you can manage this, there will be compassion remaining to pass on to others too: "Compassion is language the deaf can hear and the blind can see." -Mark Twain- Traditional celebratory times: Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, and anniversaries continue. So far you've managed through many of these landmark days. Well done! Still, significant anniversaries will continue throughout the year. Happy for some, these special days can blind-side those who grieve with unpredictable emotions. You can do this. When an unexpected roller-coaster-ride of pain feels unstoppable, please ride the wave rather than fleeing emotionally. The darkest days hold shimmers of light, if we can bear to let the light in. Deep breaths, as you bring your loved-one into your day. Along with your grief, you have been coping with a world pandemic, and enduring painful world and local news. Here we are in 2021; and no one has escaped the distressing affects of this painful time. As discouraging as this can be, stay safe and hopeful. We can get through this one step at a time . . . As we encourage hope, grief remains a complicated journey rather than a destination. When some days feel too sorrowful for you to bear, please hold onto wise people, wise words, and empathetic quotes that feel as if they're written for you. Following is just one: "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness. They are the messengers of unspeakable love." Irving Washington When there's a harsh spotlight on your sadness and grief, reach outward rather than bottling-up your hard feelings. It helps to share your story with those you trust. Isolation is not comforting for you. Encourage contact with friends and family by phone, text, internet, safe visits, and closer connections with your healing circle. Snail-mail too can offer some of the help and support you need. If it feels as if some of your friends and family don't understand your sorrow, share how you feel. Ask for what you need. Often we must walk a "similar path" to fully comprehend another's heartache. Gently, let's encourage one another with understanding. Yes it's a big job, but you deserve and need the same kindness that you would offer to a special friend. While our book does not "speak" to the new realities of 2021, we hold out a helping hand for your grief. Life Came to a Standstill is dedicated to every heart impacted by loss. We "get it" that your grief continues to impact you, sometimes to the point of paralysis, while world events attempt to overshadow your sorrow. A bereaved mom gives back: The Story of the Dragonfly (photo to the left) begins: "Once in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle . . ." Barbara, bereaved mom of Nathan, lovingly crafts these beautiful key chains, from parachute silk, in her son's honour and memory. She donates them including this timeless legend. If you have an interest in Barbara's compassionate work, you may contact her at: dragonflys4nathan@gmail.com To learn more about Life Came to a Standstill: photos, a piece of the Introduction, and to read the first paragraph of each chapter click on: "author & contributing writers." To view the opinions of others, please open "reviews." Moving through our site, under "more" you'll find 2 free support-booklets ready to print, than scroll further for 14 book tips. Grieving a loved-one is the hardest work. We'd like to help you . . . Various communities offer bereavement support. One valuable resource is Bereaved Families of Ontario-York Region (BFOYR). Please click here to access their website. While face-to-face support is temporarily suspended, due to Covid-19, peer support by phone is available upon request: leave a message at (905) 898-6265. "Life Came to a Standstill" is available through many venues, including libraries. To see where you can purchase your copy (with no obligation to buy) look under "order your copy." Follow our FB book page by clicking the FB symbol below, or send us a note anytime at all. Congratulations to the winners in our latest Goodreads Giveaway Contest! We appreciate your interest in Life Came to a Standstill. FYI our Goodreads' profile is available here During each and every day, may you have hope, health, strength, safety and love. |
|
|
