Making connections in grief

I can say the main aspect which helped me in my grief, was knowing I wasn’t alone. It was knowing that there was a whole community out there. Others who had felt the pain I felt and still feel some days. It’s a community I wish I wasn’t a part of, but I also feel comfort knowing I will never be alone. Some in the community are a long way into their grief journey. Some only at the beginning and others who are yet to join.

Grief, as heart-breaking as it is, creates a unbreakable connection between those who understand.

Happy New Year..... but, what if I'm grieving?

‘In grief, a new year feels like something we want to stop.

It feels wrong. It fills us with panic. It feels like we are being forced further and further away from them.

A whole year away. But the strike of the clock, the change of a date can’t compete.

It doesn’t stand a chance against the love that fills our hearts. That lasts forever. Forever and a day’

- Four Little Words.

The turn of a new year can feel truly overwhelming and daunting. It may feel like you are leaving your loved one behind. Please know, even if it feels like it, you really aren’t. Your loved one is more of you than you know. They will exist as long as you do, as long as they name is spoken.

When we lose someone we love

‘When we lose someone we love,

we must learn not to live without them,

but to live with the love they left behind’.

Forever living with and guided by the love they left behind. Hoping yesterday and today have been filled with love, comfort and peace. If not, it’s ok.. it’s ok to wish things were different.
Hoping that you have felt your special person’s love and presence around you when you’ve needed it most over this holiday period.

Grief at Christmas

‘We see them in every twinkling light

and every bright start,

and know they are with us at the holidays and always’.

Our loved ones will always be a part of our Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Not in the way we imagined, not in the way that we wanted.. but heavy in our pockets, surrounding us with their love.

Look after yourself, you don’t need to act or feel any particular way just because it’s Christmas.
At Hope Again, we are sending love and warm thoughts at this difficult time of year.