Dealing with grief through the years

Have you ever felt the ache of loss, or the unending pain of grief? When someone we love dies, the grief can be overwhelming. Initially we may struggle with denial, acting like it never happened. Often times we will say, it doesn’t seem real. We don’t feel the deep loss yet, our heart is trying to protect us, our minds are trying to cope with it.

Then we get angry. We may ask why and demand answers. We may shake our fist at God and blame Him for taking our loved one away. We are not ready to let go, we’re not ready to say goodbye.

The stages of grief are profound. The deeper the loss, the more we mourn. It may take days, months or even years to try and cope with these stages of grief. If you’ve ever been down this road, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Grief is real and there is no denying the pain.

I’ve lost both my parents and I can tell you it still aches.

I loved. I lost. I grieve. Today marks the 15th year of losing my dad. He was a very special father to me. Growing up he was my sounding board, my encourager and the one I would go to when I had a problem. Over the years, I’ve learned to accept his passing. I still feel the loss and the grief still boils up but I know he is in Heaven with my Lord and Savior.

I have the blessed assurance that I will see my dad again, one day, some day. Until that time, I miss him. I remember the times we spent together and the joys of being his precious daughter. I was loved by my dad and even though he is gone, that love carries me.

Dealing with grief through the years hasn’t been easy. Monumental occasions come and I feel the sense of loss all over. My faith carries me. My God has not given up on me and I won’t give up on Him. That is what holds me together during these times.

It is by faith, I’ve been saved. He carries me.