Yesterday I fell off my bike carrying too much on the way home from our mailbox. It was a pretty hard fall, contents of my basket flying everywhere, and blood dripping from scrapes on my wrist and leg as I rode home.
Photo by Trish Southard
Share your load with others.
Todd would have been glad to swing by our box and pick up some of the bigger items on his way home from work.
Our family lost three loved ones in four years.
Multiple loved ones passing away or one is too much of a burden for anyone to bear alone.
Grief Group helped me lift my heavy heart.
Surrounded by people who have suffered the loss of a loved one, and a leader, the group gently persuades you to share your imperfect memories, portraits, all while putting you at ease.
Our leader had us write letters to our loved ones sharing that we wished they would have remained alive longer, our anger that they missed an important event, regrets, anger and how lonely we feel without them. We then read those letters at the cemetery or somewhere significant to the two of us. We then burned or buried the letters.
Somehow I felt lighter and more at ease with each letter.
In the Jewish faith when a loved one dies, they sit Shiva for seven days.
They stay home and allow others to listen to them, care for them, and bring them food.
When others are in pain, you will find yourself more compassionate and confident to walk through it with them.
Sit beside them quietly.
No advice needed.
When others are happy, be happy with them.
If they are sad, share their sorrow.
Romans 12:15 TLB
Trish Southard 