Have any of you this past year felt weighted down by Covid, having to isolate, not see friends, family, co-workers, nor being able to attend important joyous events, or just live our everyday lives? And most importantly, losing loved ones?!
For me, in addition to isolation, not being able to see kids and grandkids, going to church, and just living life, I have lost ten friends, family, co-workers, and our beloved dog Bo in the past year. Surprisingly, only one loss was due to Covid.
This meant not being able to see them, or say goodbye to them, or honor them in a celebration of life service.
I did get to be there for Bo’s crossing the Rainbow Bridge, which was so important. And in the past few months, I did get to attend two celebrations of life services, which were so meaningful! And we were able to adopt our precious Bella Blue, a rapturous little corgidor, full of pure joy, fearlessness, and love of all humans (other animals, not so much!). Check out the pics of her, Mom, and Dad!
I have also been facing the serious illnesses of cancer in a family member and my business partner and friend of many years. This pretty much leveled me as my partner had to give up full-time work, pushing me to make difficult decisions about my own business, and what to do.
I had to ride the roller coaster of uncertainty, fear, grief, you name it.
I finally had to just STOP, give up control, and be by myself, interspersed with finally reaching out to others and at last turning it over to God. This also included reaching back into the happy childhood memories of my growing up with my parents, brother, larger extended family, and community.
These reminiscences were also inspired by at least two Facebook groups, support from several spiritual Facebook groups, and contact with family and friends, if not in person, in myriad other ways. Honoring members of my family through remembrances and writing about them has also been healing.
In Hospice, we often find that reminiscence, or what we call life review, often helps both the dying patient and loved ones as well to cope with what is happening.
n just the past few weeks, I have begun to turn the corner on my own grief of uncertainty, loss, and whatever life brings. THE WEIGHT HAS BEGUN TO BE LIFTED FROM MY SHOULDERS, SOUL, AND SAD SELF!
What has helped YOU in the past to lift the weight of whatever burdens you? And what is working now?!
MAY YOU BE LIGHTENED AND INSPIRED BY THE PICTURES FEATURED IN THIS BLOG OF A WEIGHT BEING LIFTED!
Mom & Bella
Dad & Bella
Bella on a car ride with her mom!
Blessings,
Carolyn
