Loosing the Ones We Love by Elizabeth Correia
In the span of a few moments, my world crumbled. Life as I knew it ceased to exist, leaving behind a void so deep and profound that words can hardly describe it. The unimaginable had happened—I had lost my son unexpectedly.
This is now my story, my new norm, a journey through my darkest days and my enduring quest for healing.
The day started like any other. My son’s laughter, his silly morning dances and jokes, and his dreams were still very much a part of my world. But in the blink of an eye, everything changed. A sudden accident, a phone call, and my reality shattered into a billion pieces. It felt like a nightmare, and one that I would never wake up from.
The days that followed were a blur of tears, shock, disbelief, and numbness. Grief had taken hold of my life, leaving me lost in a sea of pain and sorrow. I’d wake up each morning, hoping it was all a bad dream, only to be reminded that my son, my life partner, my muse and my best friend, was truly gone.
The ‘what-ifs’ haunted my every thought. What if he had not gotten in the car that night? What if he never went out that evening? What if I had been there at that exact moment? The ‘what-ifs’ haunted me for months.
What I’ve realized about grief is that it can be all-consuming, and it’s easy to be too hard on ourselves during this time. But as I am reading, studying and praying, I am learning that self-compassion is a vital tool for healing. I am learning to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would offer to a family member or dear friend. I am allowing myself to feel the emotions, and know that it’s okay to grieve in my own way, at my own pace.
Losing someone we love is an experience that reshapes the very fabric of our lives. It’s a journey through deep sorrow and pain, a journey that no one ever truly prepares for. When grief strikes, it leaves an enduring mark on our hearts, reminding us of the depth of our love and the delicacy of life.
As isolating as this experience is, we don’t have to go through it alone. It’s important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional therapist that can provide a safe space to express our feelings. Grief is a formidable adversary that we cannot battle on our own. Talking about our loss, sharing our pain, and finding ways to cope is instrumental in our healing process.
I’ve learned to carry the memory of my son with me every moment of my life. I am living with the knowledge that his love and light will forever be a part of my story.
Losing the ones we love is a journey through heartache, but it’s also a testament to the depth of our connections with others. I believe grief never fully disappears, but with time, faith, standing on the word of God and the right support, it can become a transformative experience, ultimately leading to healing and the ability to carry the memory of our loved ones with us on our life’s journey.
Remember, we are never alone in this journey, and there is hope for healing, even in the midst of heartache. This journey is filled with ups and downs, moments of anger, intense sadness and brief glimpses of hope. The pain doesn’t disappear, but over time, it changes.
I am learning (day by day) how to navigate through these feelings and emotions through self-care. Which is about giving yourself the love, patience, and nurturing you need during a challenging time. It’s not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of self-compassion and resilience. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of grief and find a path to healing.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting or betraying your loved one; it means finding a way to carry their memory with us and living a life that honours their legacy. By striving to make my son proud, I am not only honouring his memory but also continuing the love, respect and bond we shared. It’s a true testament to the enduring power of love and the incredible strength that can be found within the journey of healing.