After receiving help and support after a traumatic and life changing experience, a thought that would be normal to have is, “What now?” Many may even feel guilty about moving on with their life. But, there are many positive ways to start the process of moving forward and still fondly remembering that part of your life.
For my blog on Wordpress, I wrote a poem. It was a challenge that all the words be one syllable only. I wanted to share.
You’ve lost a parent. Your world may feel upside down, turnaround, and filled with so many different feelings you don’t understand. But even though your parent is gone, there are some things death cannot take away. Memories will always live in your heart and mind, memories of times you spent with your parent.
The loss of a parent means more than just a loss of their presence in your everyday life. One day I realized what I really lost when my mom died.
When my mom died, suddenly I felt like the weight of the family was on top of me. Even though I was an adult, with a full-time job and 2 kids, I never realized how much my mom helped and how much I depended on her until she was gone. I tried to fill my mom’s shoes, but they were way too big.
Radical acceptance is an important first step in any problem a person is trying to overcome.
Death has the power to turn your life upside down. When my mom died, I felt lost, alone, sad, and empty. The death of my mom left a gaping hole in my life and heart that nothing could fill. But eventually I learned to fight back against the grief and sadness, and I began to live again.
I can tell you how many birthday or holidays have passed since my mom died, or how long she’s been gone. Dates and numbers go through my mind, especially at certain times of year. It’s one of the ways I remember my mom, always wishing she was still here with me.
Jessica Lamb-Shapiro is the author of the book Promise Land (http://www.promiselandbook.com). Months before she turned two, Jessica Lamb-Shapiro’s mother committed suicide. Read her inspiring journey about facing her fears and following her dreams!
