Over the years I have been in the middle of many storms. Storms of emotion from the loss of my daughter 18 years ago. I know some might say you seem so happy and well in a way I am. But not having my daughter in my life will always have a deep impact on me. Regardless of the time of year, whom I’m with or what is going on in my life. My life will always have a level of emptiness to it. It is what it is.

I will never pretend it away. Not for the benefit of anyone. Nor should I, nor should you. My storms will inevitably impact others in my life. I make sure everyone knows what they are in store for. I can’t make it any more clear – I will always have bad days. I will always see pictures of those who have their children and allow a tear to drop from my eyes and it’s ok. It’s normal. Don’t hide from me.

I have come to expect the quiet storms. They are a part of the journey. Ask anyone one who has lost a child, and they’ll tell you that. They don’t want you to walk away. They want you to walk along side them. Quiet storms are going on all the time. ALL the time. Don’t ever think for any minute that they do not. We walk often in silence. Quietly observing, wishing, longingly wanting to hug their child. It’s an emptiness that I can not, after all these years, define. It is vast and it is dark. It can’t be any other way.

Quiet storms are a normal part of life. Even having lost my mother so long ago, I still find myself wanting my mom. Yet she is not there. How do people go on? They do. It’s life. It’s hard. It’s rough. And mostly it’s lonely. This is the reality of a mourning mom, daughter, sibling. It is our cross to bear.

I’m thankful for my faith as it has carried me thus far. My friends and family are my rock. My partner is without a doubt the best thing for me. She teaches me about living life after loss, not because she knows it, but she loves me. Love is a gift to a mourning parent or child that can help mend the scar of loss. I’m grateful every day for my partner and my close friends and family. I can open the door of life with a smile, and I can also open my heart when it hurts, and they will not run. They wrap me with their love, and I cannot be anything but grateful.

Until next time,

M