What a hell of a ride it has been. I look back over the last 22 months and I am in awe at how far I’ve come, yet how stagnant I’ve become. I feel I need to speak directly to those struggling parents out there or to those that are trying to love and be there for those struggling. It’s one hell of a torturous road.
You say you get it and you understand and you recognize, but I am here to tell you that you don’t. By no fault of your own of course…you just don’t. You can’t. Those of us in this deep grief can hardly understand it and wade through it, how could you possibly? That’s why this road of grief is so lonely and sad, because we travel so much of it alone; trapped within ourselves, fighting through the pain.
I told a friend this morning that Sky’s death has shaped me in ways that I don’t even understand and in many of those ways, I don’t like the shape I’ve taken. I’m quick to anger, afraid to trust, terrified to let go and bitter about my journey. Not always of course. God has his way of getting through to me and reminding me to keep on keepin’ on…..but it’s a tiresome road. The most tiresome journey I have ever endured. It’s a constant battle between tears, screaming, questioning and moving forward.
We have no choice but to press on because to give up, isn’t even an option.
Every day I seem to meet someone new that is traveling the same road as me…some are further down the road and some have just begun. In the end we all look like mirrors of one another. Sure, we all grieve differently and the circumstances of the death may vary and we may not all believe and have faith in God above….but we are the same in so many ways. Normally meeting others like you is comforting….not anymore. I hate meeting others like myself as it just reminds me that this world is cruel and unjust and I still have 3 babies here that must endure it.
So for you grieving moms (and dads), know that your journey is never ending and it will have many forks and twists and turns and, sometimes you will find yourself standing right back where you began; angry and disappointed at yourself for feeling so lost and confused. “Pull it together Kelli!” “Stop focusing on what is gone!” “Put a smile on your face!” “Be thankful!” “Put on your big girl pants and lead the way!” “You’re stronger than this!” <<<< Ah the things we tell ourselves all in the name of surviving the pain. Take the time to look yourself in the mirror, remind yourself that you are human and you will lose your way, you will forget what direction you should be heading in, and it is OK to threaten to give up! Remind yourself that you are enduring the single most excruciating pain known to mankind — even in the animal kingdom mothers protect their babies to the death and mourn them! Then drop to your knees and pray. Pray for strength to get through another day, pray for guidance while on your journey through hell and pray for God to surround you with loving, supporting, patient and understanding people. Lastly, pray for God to use you.
When my purpose here seems clouded, I pray for God to use me; if he’s using me, I can’t give up.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Hi Kelli i lost my son in a car accident that occurred on 9/06/14. he fell asleep at the wheel 4 miles from home what i am trying to figure out is how I live in two worlds, which you know we do….I want to be with Brayden in heaven yet I have another beautiful boy here on earth I hate that our children had their futures stolen from them when soooo many live to be 83, 86, 93, 55, 70, you get the idea. I have a hard time with God’s plan when the average age of a man is 77 and my son died 2 months shy of 18. we are living a nightmare! I pray for you and all of us who are forced to live like this. thank you for your comments.
Jeanne – I remember Brayden’s accident well and I prayed for your family. I can’t question the plan b/c I know I will not get an answer in this lifetime. All I can do is focus on surviving this hell we are left in, and doing what Skylar would want me to do, which is live. God bless you and yours
My son Kirk was 26 when he died unexpectedly. August 2005 he was playing with his son on the couch when he took his last breath. I’m broken. Life goes on and takes me along with it. I cry. I’ve become a wonderful actress hiding behind the pain. God is great and God is good. God gives me strength and love. God bless you Kelli.
Kelli I read your post on The Grief Toolbox and found your blog, as I read your words it was like reading my own thoughts, I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter, she is so beautiful. I lost my only daughter in June 2012 she was 17, she was my world, she was a beautiful dancer, loved life, her friends and being with family, she had three older brothers who adored her and treated her like a princess. I’m still trying to understand why she got sick when she was always so healthy. Your right the pain is excruciating, and no one understands, I’ve lost two sisters and my parents and that was painful but nothing like my child and people try to compare their trials with mine and I get angry so angry, unless you have lost a child please don’t tell me you know how I feel and expect me to be better or over it, I never will be! I want to thank you for your words they spoke right to me, you will be in my prayers.
Jana, I am s sorry for you and so sorry that you know this same pain .Reach out to me anytime. Prayers and God bless.
I can’t know how you feel, I have not walked in your shoes. My heart breaks for you and your family. Lifting you up in prayer.
♡♡♡♡
Grieve however you need to . . . and think “What would Skylar want me to think, feel, act, do?” WWJD and WWSD?
I cry for you.
Kelli, sometimes I can find peace though a song. Never Once is one that came to me when I felt weak in HIS spirit . I realized through this song that GOD really had been with me!
Sending you and your family hugs and prayers.
Sandy, ( your dad and my husband Larry are cousins)
Kelli, your post always speak to my heart. It is as if you knew how much I needed something….. anything, to give me purpose and put one foot in front of the other today. As you well know, some days are easier than others.
Love you my friend and pray for you often!