grief
Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.
A Tribute to Daddy
My daddy isn't and never was the real sappy type. We didn't have the typical relationship, and rarely said I love you. We were more likely to be fighting and telling each other to go to hell, or laughing and drinking tequila. We didn't need all that hugging, lovey stuff. We just knew we loved one another and that was, and still is, enough.
By Linda Bonnell6 years ago in Families
Getting to Know Grief
The thing about Grief that not everyone realizes is that it’s not just a word or a feeling or a pit stop on a journey. I capitalize it because Grief is the proper name of a living, moving presence. There are many different types of Grief, but for my purposes, I’m going to focus on the one that is the heaviest and most deeply permanent; the Grief that is formerly introduced upon losing a loved one.
By Meg Monthie6 years ago in Families
Before the 11 O'Clock Service
It was a cold December mourning and Esmee had lost it all. 10:10 AM She stood in black against the trunk of a huge evergreen, gazing down at the dirt, fingers clawing at her wrists. Her eyes red and bloodshot, hidden behind a cascade of blonde hair, that covered a young and innocent face - a face that was destined for greatness and so full of potential... but not anymore.
By Unity Addison6 years ago in Families
A Letter to My Parents, One They Will Never Read
As I lay in bed, a song comes on it reminds me of you as many things do. I am met with a wave of emotions, I am reminded of all the happy memories that I had with you, as well as all the terrible memories I have with you. As I remember every moment that ultimately led up to this moment, I think of all the times you told me you would stop, that you would get me back and give me a better life. Well that better life never came for me, but it did for you, in fact both of you. You have no more hurt, no more worries, while I am here stuck with just memories that are beginning to fade from the suppression that I put on them. I don't want to forget them, but you both left me with so much pain and at a young age and they hurt so much.
By Scarly Sunshine6 years ago in Families
He's Gone
I was sitting on the purple speckled floor of the relief society room, playing with the restless 2-year-old. I had a grey dress on covered in pink flowers, my hair at its best, and my emotion unreadable. My mother stood next to the grey open casket as person after person walked up and hugged her. The tears were rolling down everyone's faces, and it seemed at the moment, no one was breathing. This death was untimely; he was too young. The celebration that usually came with grandparents, the knowledge that he was in a better place, was all distant. Because we all wanted him back.
By Alyssa Martin6 years ago in Families
Start With What You Know
The night I learned my dad died I had a nightmare. My teeth kept falling out. My mouth was so delicate that every time I turned my head or whenever my fingertips barely brushed the tip of my jaw, a new tooth would fall out in a bloody mess. I was horrified. I tried desperately to keep the remaining teeth in, stricken with the idea that I wouldn't have a smile anymore. It’s easy to psychoanalyze the dream in retrospect, but at the time I woke up confused, panicked, and anxious. Those feelings stayed with me long after that fitful night of sleep.
By Charis Kaltenecker6 years ago in Families
Remember
My legs shook as if under a hundred times more weight than normal. My mother’s hand felt cold, lifeless, like a dried flower crumbling in the wind. As I let go of her, I turned to face my destination. Thirty feet, then up four steps, then another ten feet to the left. I looked down at the carpet. It was the same color it's always been, and yet today, it seemed monochrome. Up the steps, looking, I saw familiar faces, but I found no ease; no comfort. I turned left, glancing out the glass door at the line of cars. I stopped, attempted to take a breath, but the air eluded me. Looking up, two thousand eyes fixed their gaze on me. I felt their penetrating, tear-filled stare. An eon passed in a matter of seconds. I found air. Blood rushed to my head. I felt a heartbeat in my throat. I pulled out my phone, fumbling to open the words I spent hours crafting. The screen came to life, and I began to read.
By Hyrum Simms6 years ago in Families