Grief is a complex journey, an intricate dance with time and emotions that can ebb and flow unexpectedly. It’s a process that takes its own course, marked by milestones that bring the ache to the surface, much like a flood of emotions on significant days such as the anniversary of a loved one’s passing or on Mother’s or Father’s Day.
For instance, January 26, 2024, marks the 24th year since my mom passed away. While I believed I had worked through my grief, the truth is, on her death date, a wave of sadness still washes over me. The passage of time hasn’t made missing her any less poignant.
The sting of her loss hasn’t dulled because the yearning for her presence remains. Losing her at the age of 65 and my dad at 56 left an indelible mark on my heart. This year, the ache is amplified as I can’t visit her grave. Living in Florida adds geographical distance, and the inability to lay flowers or tend to her resting place weighs heavy on my heart.
Despite knowing she would be happy for my journey, a tinge of guilt lingers for being unable to fulfill these small acts of remembrance. Grief, it seems, is not a linear path but a winding road with unexpected turns.
Yet, even in the midst of this ache, there’s solace in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” In the depths of grief, there’s a reassurance that divine comfort is present, offering solace to the brokenhearted.
Miss you and Love you Mom
Give Dad a kiss for me
Joyful-Echoes 
May prayers keep you surrounded during this anniversary of loss. Hold on to the happy memories that you shared with your Mom. Leslie
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