Tracey, I came upon this several years ago after a devastating loss, and it's stayed with me and buoyed me ever since:
"I think it's okay if I'm a bit sad forever. Not drowning every day, not screaming into my pillow, not sobbing in my car, not stuck in the past—just a bit sad, like carrying a quiet ache that never really leaves. Because that sadness? It will remind me that you were real. You mattered. You existed in my world in a way that changed me. Grief isn't something I want to erase. It's the proof of love that didn't get enough time. And maybe that's the tradeoff for having had something so meaningful—a soft, permanent sadness that follows me through the years, whispering that you were here."
❤️ I believe friends and family are wrapping you in love without expectation to let you know you are not alone. Lean on us. Lean into authenticity. Throw the rules out the window, and do what fills your heart. ❤️
When I was grieving (hard), I was told by a very wise person that every decision, every response, every step should be made with the mourner's wishes as priority. Your family and friends love you and will give you grace to take things at your own pace. We understand. xo
Tracey, I have not expected any official thank you from you. You have many other tasks now to attend to. Let the rules go! I, for one of many most likely, am happy to help and understand what you're going through. That's acknowledgement enough for me. Always here for you.
Hang in there and we're there for you. Don't sweat the thank-you thing; it's a needless burden. Friends and family and even strangers give from the heart and that's that. No expectation that you will need to acknowledge etc. Cocoon or do whatever you wish at this time in life.
Tracey, I came upon this several years ago after a devastating loss, and it's stayed with me and buoyed me ever since:
"I think it's okay if I'm a bit sad forever. Not drowning every day, not screaming into my pillow, not sobbing in my car, not stuck in the past—just a bit sad, like carrying a quiet ache that never really leaves. Because that sadness? It will remind me that you were real. You mattered. You existed in my world in a way that changed me. Grief isn't something I want to erase. It's the proof of love that didn't get enough time. And maybe that's the tradeoff for having had something so meaningful—a soft, permanent sadness that follows me through the years, whispering that you were here."
That's beautiful.
Wonderful, Laurie. "I'm sad forever." Yes, that's how it is.
❤️ I believe friends and family are wrapping you in love without expectation to let you know you are not alone. Lean on us. Lean into authenticity. Throw the rules out the window, and do what fills your heart. ❤️
Yes. I'm making my own rules. Nothing else really matters right now.
When I was grieving (hard), I was told by a very wise person that every decision, every response, every step should be made with the mourner's wishes as priority. Your family and friends love you and will give you grace to take things at your own pace. We understand. xo
Dear Tracey ... responses in times of grief are as one can do ... no one should judge. Do your best. Rest and breathe knowing you're loved.
What a beautiful post. Thank YOU for being such a shining light. You are thoughtful and brave and your capacity for giving always astounds me.
Tracey, I have not expected any official thank you from you. You have many other tasks now to attend to. Let the rules go! I, for one of many most likely, am happy to help and understand what you're going through. That's acknowledgement enough for me. Always here for you.
Hang in there and we're there for you. Don't sweat the thank-you thing; it's a needless burden. Friends and family and even strangers give from the heart and that's that. No expectation that you will need to acknowledge etc. Cocoon or do whatever you wish at this time in life.
Oh, dear friend. I knew Michael was ill but didn't know of his passing. My thoughts are with you. What a difficult time.
Thanks Maggie. 💙