It was the 4th anniversary of our son’s death, and I was having a difficult time. My husband was working out of town, and this meant for the first time we would be apart on this date.
I turned to the woods, a place I find myself often when I seek peace. As I started the trail, I noticed a tree that was bent and twisted. Despite the fact that the base of the trunk was nothing but a shell, the tree continued to live and strive to reach the sun.
I felt a kinship with that tree. At times, I felt like a shell of my old self, yet a part of my soul was wanting to find my sunshine again.
Isn’t it wonderful that the universe remains constant? Even if our world feels like it has collapsed, the universe remains the same. In my early grief, I was angry that the rest of the world continued after Clint’s death. Now I find comfort in that consistency. The sun is in its place even if I don’t see it.
Further along on the trek, my eyes embraced nature at work around me and my heart began to understand that I could learn things from this adventure. Take the river, for example. I saw sections of raging currents of turbulent water followed soon by calm peaceful pools. Some parts of the same river appeared impossible to cross, yet just around the bend of the trail, I found large boulders that created easy crossings. My grief journey is like the river; at times, it is calm and other times, it is raging.
When I feel that my grief is impossible to cross, I need only to be patient and take it one step at a time.
Tags: grief, hope
Dear Debra
What a beautiful article.
i feel like you so connected to nature
and I reely feel my daughter the most when I am among the tree’s and flowers.Thank you for sharing.Your article has really struck a chord with me
Love and Light
Louise
Louise,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the article. I am so sorry about the death of your daughter. I don’t like the circumstances that brought all of us to this site, but I am very thankful that we have a place with this to share. Sharing can help with the processing of our loss.
Hugs,
Debra
I feel the same way. My 10 year old son was also very drawn to nature. He had just taken up hitting golf balls on the golf course behind our house until sunset, and he loved being outdoors until the very end of the day. I feel his presence most when I am outside among the trees.
Sandy,
My heart aches over the loss of your precious 10 year old son. I can feel the love you have for your son. I can understand how the trees mean so much to you. I would love to hear more about him.
Gentle Hugs,
Debra