“Seems just like yesterday.” This sentiment is seamlessly woven through many survivors’ memories when recalling the loss of a loved one. Healing from any loss is an individual process, yet there are common threads that bond survivors; threads that help them realize they are not alone.
Will a traumatic loss always feel just like yesterday? It’s something I’ve asked myself many times over the years. My father flew back from his retirement home with a body invaded by cancer. Three weeks later, I was a girl without a dad. Years later I still relive those three weeks like they were yesterday. Will that ever fade?
This week my daughter is asking herself that same question, along with many others. Today marks one year since her friend Cody died.
The pain of losing a friend so young and full of life to depression may always be with my daughter. It will dull, but never fully fade. Losing Cody was like losing innocence for many friends. Yet they keep moving forward, discovering a new existence, while missing their friend with the bright blue eyes – one they didn’t know was hurting.
My daughter is still sad, but she also finds joy. As I said last year, my simple hope was that her heart would ache a little less each day.
The pain of loss stays is often etched upon us. Life feels different, forever changed. Healing is about learning to live a changed life, even with an aching heart. It’s a personal journey that no one can judge, only support. Time isn’t always the magic cure-all. Sometimes it’s just a simple measurement tracking the days spent learning to live with new challenges.
Cody’s friends will always miss him. They continue on, though. New happiness creeps in – even when sadness sometimes finds a crack in the door. I know my daughter will always wonder about things discussed that last night. Chances are she will forever wonder about what might have been.
Little things mean the world to healing people. Never forget that. Knowing someone cares and remembers is vital. My aunt saying my father was proud of me still warms my heart, even after three years. Little things, even as simple as a once forgetten happy memory can help. Maybe that’s the irony of grief. You hurt while a memory simultaneously makes you happy.
Sometimes healing is just day-by-day survival. There is no roadmap. Love and support are needed as we find our way toward more moments of joy. Please remember these words from last year. “If you see one of Cody’s friends, ask them how they are. Don’t be scared of their answer. Or maybe just give them a hug. If they tear up, squeeze tighter.”
Compassion is not negated by dates on a calendar. People healing always need to know others care. No matter how many years forward they travel, the loss may always seem just like yesterday.
Never Forgotten
A black and white photo,
Tired and fading,
Revealing a sadness,
A dark dream,
Of news that crumples lives,
The photo shows people crying,
And flowers surrounding a tomb,
But the day passes,
Time moves on,
Slowly,
Very slowly,
But still faster than you thought possible,
Blossoms bloom on branches,
Petals open,
Surges of colors fill the photo,
Energy leaps back to it,
Reinventing it in a way nobody could ever imagine,
Life is bright again,
But the original photo will always be in your mind,
And your heart,
Never forgotten.
Comments
“Compassion is not negated by dates on a calendar. Those healing always need to know others care. No matter how many years forward they travel, the loss may always seem just like yesterday.”
So true. Thanks for sharing. Good post.