Grieving Through the Holidays
It’s here. That time of the year when your emotions might be shooting off in multiple directions at the same time. You’re up and you’re down; smiling for the photographs one moment, while crying behind closed doors another moment.
Every year you tell yourself you’ll do better. That it’ll get better. That’s what everyone told you when you said goodbye to your loved one.
But the years have gone by and the moments still come, some expectedly; that birthday, anniversary, different holiday seasons. Other times it comes out of nowhere.
Was it a scent? The smell of a candle that used to burn in their house. A sound? That silly love song he loved to play so much! Maybe it was a taste, of that homemade cake you finally perfected. Or driving past a vacation spot you’d all visited just years before.
Know that no matter how you feel today; how much pain, sadness, or sorrow you experience, you CAN get through it. You will make it through this moment. And the next hour. This day, and then tomorrow, and the day after that. You will find out you are stronger than you think. Or perhaps it’s them watching and helping pray you through these moments.
But if those times come when you feel that you can’t — hold on to the HOPE and LOVE that came into the world on “this day” over 2,000 years ago. Hang on to the ONE who will always be there. And if you’re not ready to accept and believe that, then believe this. That someone loves you and cares for you. That several someones hurt for you, and have gone or are going through similar stuff. So reach out. And don’t go through these bumps, pain, losses, or lonely feelings alone.
This can be a tough time of year for some people. Finals, life stress, colder weather, longer nights and not everyone is looking forward to Christmas. Did you know that if you text 741741 when you are feeling depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text with you? Many people don’t like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It’s a FREE service to ANYONE – teens, adults, etc. – who lives in the U.S. It’s run by The Crisis Text Line.
You. Matter. #youmattertome
