As we fall out of October head-first into November,
I'm reflecting on the sadness that the holidays ahead
could bring to people whose lives have been shattered
by the grief of losing a loved one.
This week alone, four of my friends have lost a parent
and our town lost a teenager.
All five of these deaths have brought unspeakable pain
to the someones who loved them deeply.
All of these someones are left brokenhearted.
They feel lost.
They feel numb.
They can't breathe.
Their lives are forever changed
and they can't imagine how they'll go on
another second, another minute, another day.
Another week.
Another month
Another year.
Birthdays.
Anniversaries.
Holidays.
The rest of their lives.
Creative artist Joanne Fink of Zenspirations went through those very thoughts and feelings when her husband of twenty-nine years died suddenly at a young age. From her walk through the devastating shock, grief, and loss comes this vulnerable gift to help others who find themselves struggling through a similar situation find comfort in the fact that they are not alone. That someone else gets it. That they can and will survive.
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| Click image to hear Joanne's story. |
Page after page, Joanne Fink shares poignantly-real reflections that offer connection and comfort, healing and hope.
When you lose someone you love,
some days surviving is all you can do. ~Joanne Fink
Her authenticity and affirmation give those someones who grieve permission to take life one day at a time. However they need to grieve, that's what they ought to do. To say out loud that the pain is excruciating. To be okay with not being okay. To work on accepting what is and not beat yourself up for longing for what isn't. And though they hurt horribly, she calmly reassures them that they can heal.
A small but powerful resource, When You Lose Someone You Love is a treasure that you'll want to read over and over again and share with your family and friends as they grieve those good-byes and journey toward restoring hope.
The latest ballad by MercyMe really resonates with me.
Need more bereavement resources?
I needed to hear this today. Our family, recently lost my father in law after almost a year of caring for him. To say that we are at a loss is at times an understatement. We are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering and that we will be reunited again.
ReplyDeletePrayers to those loved ones in your community. Our thoughts are with them.
Thank you for sharing your heartbeat with us; I'm so sorry for your loss, Sylvia. I'm going to send you a copy of Joanne's treasure to help wrap you in comfort during this dark and difficult time.
ReplyDeleteGod's timing is always perfect...I just got a text from a close friend this morning that her dad passed away. When You Lose Someone You Love is already on its way from Amazon.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a great big blanket of comfort for your friend!
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