I have always equated grief with the loss (death) of someone I loved.  When my parents both died a part of my soul went with them.  I am the woman I am because of each of them.  I have also grieved the loss of a sibling I never knew.  He died before I was born and I did not learn his story until after my second son was born 10 years ago.

Grief has come in the loss of another sibling (who is still alive).  When a relationship is shattered with little hope of reconciliation, it is devastating, even after so many years.  The only thing that I can do is pray.

I never imagined that grief would consume me after the loss of my job.  It’s only been ten days since my job was eliminated and I have had some good days…days filled with hope for what is yet to come.  And I have had some pretty awful days…filled with grief and despair.

Some people would say that comparing a death to the loss of a job are not even close in comparison.  I would normally agree, but I never truly realized the depth of the passion that I had in my career.  It was a passion, not only for the community that I served, but for the relationships with my colleagues that was built on an immense depth of trust, respect and friendship.

I still marvel at how one day I can be feeling on top of the world and the next in the dark pit that I have frequented over the years.  The ebb and flow of grief is overwhelming.  Everyone experiences grief at some time in their lives.  I guess what I am learning through this experience is that grief happens and it needs to not be ignored.

The only way to work through my grief is to keep moving forward one step at a time.

I am not defined by a job and I am certainly not defined by my grief.

It will get better…in time.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. Biscuits n’ gravy
2. Lavender lotion
3. Shopping lists
4. Homemade cards
5. Maggie