Passing Along the Baton

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. It is the emotional pain we feel when we are separated from someone or something we love. The loss can be physical, such as the death of a loved one, or it can be emotional, such as the end of a relationship. Grief can also be caused by other types of losses, such as the loss of a job, home, or pet.

Death is often compared to a relay race, where one person hands off a baton to another and then drops out of the race. In the same way, when someone dies, they hand off their life to those who remain behind. Just like in a relay race, there can be grief and sadness when someone dies, but there is also the hope that comes with knowing that someone else will pick up the baton and continue the race.

When my Mother died, my family was plunged into darkness. It was as if the sun had gone out and we were left in a cold, dark night. We felt lost, confused, and alone. But over time, we began to adjust to our new reality. We found comfort in our shared memories of my Mother and in the knowledge that she was now at peace.

We all felt as if a part of us had been ripped away. Grief was like a heavy weight that we could not just shake off. We all struggled to cope in our own ways. My siblings withdrew into themselves, while I became angry and bitter. I was the only one who seemed to have not received her visit, her presence in the form of a dream, months after her passing. I spent hours sitting in her bedroom staring at the ceiling on a daily basis, talking to her as if she could still hear me. And every night i would wake up disappointed, that she did not come visit me

Slowly, over time, the darkness began to lift. We all started to heal in our own ways and we learnt to live without my Mother. I personally grew my wings during this phase, its been 7 years since she left and i can finally breathe again. Nevertheless, I will never forget her and we will always miss her deeply. Grief is a difficult emotion to deal with, but it is also a reminder of how much we loved the person who has died. It is a part of the healing process and it will eventually make us stronger. The process of grief is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. And there is no timeline for grief. Some people may start to feel better after a few weeks, while others may take months or even years to reach a place of acceptance.

Each person experiences grief in his or her own way. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. Seek out support from friends, family, and professionals. Don't bottle up your feelings - find healthy ways to express them. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Remember that the process of grieving is not linear - there will be good days and bad days. Grief is a part of life, but it doesn't have to define you. You will eventually heal and start to feel better. Some common symptoms of grief include sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, and fatigue. It is important to allow yourself to feel these emotions and to express them in a healthy way. Suppressing or denying your grief will only make it harder to cope in the long run.

If you are grieving, it is important to give yourself time and space to mourn. Allow yourself to feel the pain of your loss. Cry when you need to cry. And talk about your loved one as often as you want. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. No one can take away the pain of your loss. But know that you are not alone in your grief. There are others who understand what you are going through and who can offer support and understanding.

If you find yourself struggling with grief, there are many resources available to help you through this difficult time. There are support groups, counselors, and books that can offer guidance and comfort. And there are also hotlines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can provide you with someone to talk to 24/7.

Here are some resources that may be helpful:

Support groups: Joining a support group can provide you with a space to share your experiences and connect with others who are grieving. To find a grief support group in your area, check out the National Widowers’ Organization or Griefnet.

Counselors: Speaking with a counselor can be helpful if you are struggling to cope with your loss. To find a counselor in your area, check out the American Counseling Association or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Hotlines: If you need someone to talk to outside of regular business hours, there are hotlines available 24/7 that can provide support. These include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

Remember, grief is a process that looks different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Give yourself time and space to mourn, and reach out for help if you need it.