Grief and loss are hard enough on their own. There are often no words that can describe it sufficiently or fill the gap.
The empty hole in our soul can take our breath away and often we gasp for air when we realize our loved one has truly left their body and our earthly realm.
Breathing through grief – because literally BREATHING can be painful – often becomes a victory all on its own.
I have felt the breath that became a gasp that became a sob and it is certainly as real as any other sensation you may feel.
This year in PARTICULAR has made grief and loss much more difficult as funeral limitations and visiting at nursing homes and hospitals have been curtailed or brought to a standstill.
No last hand holding, no last murmured quiet moments or singing their favorite hymns or reciting their favorite scripture or poem. Barely a gathering of loved ones to honor or celebrate the passing of our loved ones.
I am grateful that this year my Dad wasn’t here in a nursing facility. I am grateful that my brother wasn’t here this year in a hospital or a nursing facility. I am grateful that I DID get to see them and be with them before they died. That I got to say – it’s ok – please go – you won’t be in pain anymore. Please Lord – come and get him.
I’m grateful that I got to spend time with my Grandma before she slipped away. I sang her hymns and read from the Bible in the nightstand as she lay in the hospice room at the hospital. I sensed that would be the last time I would see her as I felt her hand get colder before I left the room that evening.
The next morning we got the call that she had passed. In that moment, gladness flooded my soul that I had spent those moments with her.
This year friends have lost their spouses, their parents, some their children and numerous loved ones.
I acknowledge their grief, their pain, their loss and their frustration that this year stole final moments that they will never get back.
I recognize the pain of breathing, the challenge of moving forward during, after and forevermore after we lose the important people in our lives.
Whomever you love and with whatever time you have, enjoy it to the fullest.
Live in the NOW.
Celebrate everything you can and may you find love, laughter and comfort when you recall the important people in your life.
Tammi Moses is the founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of the company Homes Are For Living, LLC dba The Hoarding Solution. This business is proudly Veteran Woman Owned & Operated. We offer virtual consultations, workshops and training on the issue of hoarding.
Tammi believes in empowering & inspiring others to take their adversity and use it for the benefit of others. She is the voice of #AKOPTH-Adult Kids of Parents That Hoard. She is also a voice & advocate for #YLITH – Youth Living in The Hoard. You can connect with Tammi in various ways: email directly or connect on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. You can also check out The Hoarding Solution Podcast!