In January of this year, I figured I would be good, I would be back to normal and over the loss of my dad. After all, it had been a year, and I had this exceptional (and delusional) expectation to be smiling at our pictures, which we had many, and not still be hurting. But I didn’t know, loss, mourning, and grief just doesn’t work like that. This was my big loss, and in life’s darkest moments, when sadness consumes the heart, what I didn’t understand then is how impossible it would feel to make creative decisions.
But more time has passed and the pain has started to soften. I find solace in leaning into cherished memories instead of overwhelming sorrow. The pictures of my dad and I finally bring smiles rather than tears, reminding me of the honor of having experienced such a relationship as phenomenal as this.
My writing friends know, the path to #healing can involve clearing the spider webs from the pages of our #journals , opening our laptops, and returning to this craft that brings us joy. For artists, it may mean picking up a brush, for singers, it could be penning lyrics that express the depth of their emotions. For me, it’s #writing.
This journey to healing has taken so much more than a year, and I’m sure anyone who has experienced the loss of a parent can understand. Yet, as I rediscover my creative joy, I realize we are never alone. We keep going, living life to honor those who poured their love and wisdom into us. Writing becomes more than just a form of expression; it becomes our way of saying thank you. Thank you for the love, the blessings, and the gifts that have shaped me.
In moments of grief and healing, we move forward with the legacy of our #elders in our hearts, knowing that by living our lives with purpose and passion, we honor their memory. Their love lives on through us, and so, we keep going. It’s our way of expressing gratitude for everything they provided, equipping us for a time such as this. We continue to embrace joy, love, peace, and yes, even grief, knowing that every emotion is a testament to a #life well-lived and deeply cherished.
Keep going, friends, I write to #encourage myself as much as encourage others. Life is worth it. Just. Keep. Going!
My Relentless Life 