09/01/2026
Another long post. I left out many details so as to not overwhelm you and have an even longer post. Lol
Here is the final part of the Gratitude journey series. This one is about finding Gratitude in the midst of our grief. We can experience many different types of grief in our lives. The Loss of a Beloved Soul mate, parent, child, pet, job, even an old version of ourselves.
I will share 2 of the deepest griefs I have experienced. I share these 2 stories in hopes it may in some way help you, if not by coming to know you're not alone, then by showing that no matter how you are experiencing or navigating grief, there is no right or wrong way. The experience is unique to you. There are no rules. And finding and experiencing Gratitude can seem unattainable at times. Trust me it does and will come.
My first and deepest experience was the loss of my dearest beloved Mike. He was killed in a car accident. We were young, and I was expecting our daughter ( Michele) . I was so overwhelmed, grief sticken,I could barely function and had no idea how I was going to navigate being a single parent, especially during those years being a single parent was a rarity and looked down upon. In comes Gift # 1. My in-laws "Dude" and Jennie. They invited me to come live with them, for however long I needed, which I accepted. We helped each other through our grief. Each of us is grieving in our own way. With a baby on the way, bringing hope and its own sadness at the same time. #2 My mother-in-law became my very best friend until she left this world. She loved me unconditionally, as if I were her very own . #3 That farm house was like a sanctuary for me. Especially after Michele and I moved into our own apartment. Frequent visits were made to that farmhouse over the years, weekend respites from the stress of everyday life and when the world felt so heavy. In my mind it was a safe place, because the worst thing that could have ever happen already happened a mile down the road. And of course family get togethers for all the various reasons. Just so much love
While Michele and I were navigating life, #4 so many angels showed up in all the many ways they did to help us in various ways at different times of need. I am forever deeply grateful .
For many years though, I lived a dark night of the soul. At the time I felt as though God had abandoned me. It was only through all the love and support of the village of people and opportunities that God placed in my life, my own inner healing did I see God's hand in it all, #5 I was never abandoned. He/She was right there all along guiding, loving and supporting both Michele and I.
#6 Another gift as I was navigating single parenthood with a teenager, the psychologist that was in the Medical building I worked in was the kindest, gentlest human being I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He always had time in his schedule for me and was so helpful and right on with all of his advice, whether it was navigating parenting or other life issues. I am forever grateful to Tom Delaney.
All of these experiences have led me to here.
There are many more gifts, too many to list here.
My 2nd greatest grief was the loss of my precious cat Chauncey 3.5 years ago.
We had a very special relationship. It is hard for me to put into words the relationship we had. He taught me so much about Love and opening my heart. You see after Mike passed, there were only a few relationships , but each one ended with such heartbreak as they weren't healthy, aligned relationships. Chauncey helped me to open my heart and love. ( I sometimes felt that Mike reincarnated into Chauncey.) One day I may get to know if that is true or not. The grief I experienced when Chauncey passed was as excruciating as when Mike passed. But the gifts of the memories, and still carrying that mutual love for each other in my heart is such a gift. And now I have a new cat..Jasmine to love. Another gift
And all these years later grief still sneaks in and rolls down my cheecks.
Someone wrote on a sympathy card when Mike passed.. The sun will rise again and there will be rainbows too. They were correct.
All the Love that Michele and I received from so many were such gifts of Grace. I am forever grateful for every one.
I hope that in reading this, if you are in a season of grief, you will know you are not alone; everything you are experiencing is normal for you. And no one gets to tell you how you should or shouldn't grieve and move through the process. If you are currently grieving, my heart is sending you much love and hugs 💖😘🦋🌈🙏🌞🌹
