This time of year can be especially difficult for many who are grieving a personal losses. The December holidays have come and gone, and the days are long and dreary for many. It sometimes feels as if the warmth of Spring may never get here, but instead of waiting for light at then end of the long dark tunnel of Winter, you can create a beacon of light for yourself!
You have the power to inspire renewal and hope within yourself at times when you may need it most. Many of us enjoy special gardens and other projects that foster healing while also honoring our loved ones. And the long winter days and nights can be a perfect time to start planning ahead.
Spring is just around the corner, isn’t it?
Tags: winter blues, winter grief
We got home Sunday night at 1045p from my dad’s and when we opened the garage, Aaliyah (our dog), went out as usual to do her necessities. We live in a quiet neighborhood. Upon her return, as she was crossing the street back to our house, I saw her get hit by a speeding car and as a result to injuries she was killed. The car never bothered to return after a hesitant stop as I screamed from the top of my lungs. I’m in total shock :'( my sweet baby is gone. This hurt is so raw n physically sickening. I wish it were only a nightmare. I’ve had our baby since she was 6 wks old n would fit in my coat pocket. She was my everything. She was 11 yrs old n would’ve been 12yrs old this coming October. She was named after the singer, Aaliyah who also tragically died young in 2001. To those ppl who don’t understand, they need to imagine witnessing their child or loved one being struck by a speeding car that leaves the scene n ur kid fighting for their life. As the parent carries them in his arms bleeding, rush to the emergency room only to have the ER confirm that ur baby is gone and in no way can be brought back :'( This is possibly the worst loss for any family :'( I plan to b back to work tmw. I’m hoping, with God’s help, to put myself as together as I can. :'( I’m physically exhausted, hot n cold, headache, stomach is a mess, limited sleep, nauseous, and nonstop crying as flashbacks from the horrible chain of events keep haunting me. I can’t believe our little girl is gone :'(. We r mourning the loss of a child. Our family makeup may b “untraditional” but its ours. These r more than pets to us. My birthday is tmw 4/17 n I’m not lookn forward to it like I had been a few days ago. You see, I treat my pets as the kids we were meant to have in our lives. Birthdays celebrated, dressing them up often (yes, including our cat, Alejandro – named after Lady Gaga’s song). Your prayers and/or positive thoughts are appreciated as our family takes one day at a time. I know time heals, still, this loss hurts like hell.
Martin, I am truly very sorry for the loss of your beloved pet companion, Aaliyah. It absolutely does hurt deeply to lose a beloved pet and your love of animals doesn’t show weakness, it shows you are a deeply compassionate person. I pray that you can find some comfort knowing you were able to give Aaliyah so much love for 11 years, and for all that she gave you in return. Those things are blessings that will live on.
Let yourself grieve as you need to for this loss in your life and seek support among family, friends and fellow animal-lovers to help you to cope. Try writing about Aaliyah and how much she means to you to give voice to your grief and loss. Peace and healing to you, John Pete