Leaving Grieving

Regardless of what you call it, grief is something that has its own timing. Denial and numbness may happen for a while, but eventually the many varied emotions come and spend whatever amount of time they need in us. But they aren't like a bird perching on a fence, landing and flying away. Their exit is barely perceived. Leaving grieving happens, but not in one smooth or identifiable motion. It's rarely a conscious or forced decision. Leaving grieving happens when we're not looking.

... It's only in looking back that we realize our days have begun to feel a little more normal. We've rebuilt some of our routines. We've laughed without guilt. Perhaps our sleep patterns and meals are more regular again and we notice an appetite has returned. Leaving grieving is a thing to trust. It doesn't mean we no longer feel sad or empty at the loss. It means the extreme upheaval has flowed on, giving us some peace. We are allowed to float on the quiet stream of calm rather than thrash around in the storm of suffering. Leaving grieving is a gift. Allow the gift to be opened and help in the healing process.