I’m sharing from “seven years later”.*

If you are reading this and you feel almost too sad to read, keep going. This isn’t a long post and I do not speak complicated. I believe in getting to the point. I have 3.

Give yourself ONE do-able task per day. The emphasis here is on give and do-able. It is a gift you are giving yourself that will take a step in your healing. It may be getting up.  It may be taking a shower and putting on clothes. (Note: If you go to the grocery store, take a list!)

Your emotions may be all over the spectrum. Tears, laughter, numb, confused, and angry were emotions that took me on a daily roller coaster ride for a while. It seemed like a long time. It can make for a difficult time in a family as everyone is dealing with their different emotions.
If you’ve never journaled before, give it a try. It does help to sift emotions.
That good friends who wants to help? Tell them you need someone to just listen.
Don’t dismiss the idea of counseling. If your work place offers Employee Assistance Program (EAP), use it.

God is BIG enough. I had times when I was so angry with God for allowing my son to die. I asked “why?” many, many times. The Creator of the universe, the One who has always been and always will be is big enough to handle my anger. I am still alive and closer in my relationship to God than I ever have been. God and I still wrestle about the “why” but I am content about His answer for me – today.

Don’t give up.
Pat yourself on the back for every small step forward.
Allow yourself to have a day when you step back or just stand still.
It’s OK, and even good, to be alone but do not make it your “norm” no matter how hard it is to stay connected.
Hang with people who make you feel better when they leave – not wore out!

Let me know how you are doing.

*My 17-year-old son, James, died in 2004 after a five-year battle with cancer. He died less than a week after Hurricane Ivan tore through our town.