Grief
Grief comes in many forms to different people and looks differently for many of us. We can grieve many things- things we may not have even associated with grief, but we’ve got the symptoms yet cannot seem to explain that pain.
We normally think of the loss of a loved one when we think of grief. Yet grief can come at the loss of a relationship- a divorce, a breakup, loss of a job, a home, your homeland, your beloved pet.
I have been grieving for my little boy, my beloved pet, just coming up on a month now. Although I don’t actually cry anymore, the reminders/memories of him make me tear up and my throat tighten up. My God has brought me peace in letting me know I did absolutely al I could for him, and I provided him with the best life a dog could have. I thank God for the gift of him, even if it wasn’t as long as I had hoped. Many of us don’t have anyone with whom we can talk to about our problems, our struggles, our pain and suffering sometimes due to the perceived judgment we may get. I fall into that category. So many who are not animal lovers I perceive will judge my grief and intend to minimize it, only worsening it in the end. So, I keep it silent inside. After about 3 weeks, when I could begin to talk about it, I told my neighbors. I knew they would be empathetic. They allowed me to cry, held me, talked to me and I came home feeling better.
Seventeen years ago, I lost my father- suddenly -to a heart attack. I grieved then as well, but everyone was understanding of that grief and was very helpful. I was able to go back to work in about a week.
I want to try to be the kind of person who will not judge a person’s struggles, nor minimize their emotions because I am unable to empathize or I have not had a similar experience. I want to be that kind, gentle person anyone would feel comfortable coming to. Jesus, please give me a heart to love like you.
Cast your Cares 