I often say that grief is a process. And I know it is, but during the daily grind of grief, it’s hard to remember that, isn’t it? You may go through a period of time,when each morning, you wake up, your first thought is of a loved one you have lost. And the last thought you have before sleeping is of that loved one too.
Many of us have loved ones in Heaven who we miss terribly. Of course we miss them on their birthday, death day and the biggest Holidays, but we also miss them every single day, every minute of the day. Not a minute goes by that we don’t miss them.
For spouses, you remember and cherish all the time you’ve had with each other. You remember the good times and the bad. You remember how you supported each other and how, when things seemed really bad, you persevered, worked at it and came through a stronger, happier couple.
In memory of all those who left us too soon…We remember you in the morning, in the night, a song, a place, a smell. You are always with us.
For lost friends, you remember good, happy times and cherish every minute you had with each other. I had a friend in high school that I lost. She was killed in a car crash. She loved this one song and would roll the windows down and sing and dance to it. Every time I hear that song, I think of her. And my heart hurts a little. But I also smile because I had that time with her.
Over the years, I have learned to embrace the feelings and remember all the good times with my loved ones. I try not to focus on any pain they may have been in, but remember all the blessings they had. And that’s what they would want us to do. They would want us to remember the good times.
So, I’m lighting and burning this candle for all our loved ones who have left us too soon. They will always be loved. They will always be missed.
Sending you blessings of love and gratitude from Sterrett, Alabama!
Charity M. Richey-Bentley