Grief is a blanket
I have learned to love
Though I must admit,
it used to be so rough
I could hardly bear touching it.
Grief is a blanket
I have learned to love,
Though I must admit
that the mere thought of it
caused my tears to fall.
And I gave it all
just to get rid of it,
’cause it would rub against my skin,
and I’d lay down
with wounds all over me.
But grief is a blanket
I have learned to love…
It protected me when I felt cold,
and O, how I felt so cold!
I’d rather be scratched by its edges,
I’d rather bear its heavy burden,
than to lay down empty and heartless,
unable to feel the tears
flowing from my eyes.
Grief is rough
and grief is heavy,
but it’s something I’d carry
to cover me with warmth.
Do not cast my ashes into the sea
nor leave them near a tree,
Lest you believe that I am there…
These ashes came from me,
but they’re not me.
Do not carry my ashes
as though I could not move at all,
for I did not become that small.
Death never had me whole,
for I have my immortal soul.
Do not hope that I be carried by the wind,
for I will not come as dust that hurt your eyes.
I have not vanished when I died,
but I live still and I am here,
I’ll always stay right by your side.
I took some lessons and I’ve learned
that grief is something
you do all over again
like walking the path you once walked together,
or eating that pie that made him smile.
Grief is waking up each day,
and missing him all over again,
remembering when
you had him by your side.
It is sleeping at night
and trying not to cry
but then end up sleeping
with tears in your eyes.
Grief is going back to that very time,
when I could have said goodbye
but did not mind.
It’s wondering how anything
could have changed
if only I begged him
to kiss me goodnight.
They say time will heal
and the heart will mend,
but I have learned from my lessons
that grief is love that never ends.
You may try to move on
and you may try to forget,
but grief is something you do
all over again.
And when I go far away, Don’t look for me in the stars. Don’t go out looking at night, for you won’t find in them my eyes.
When I go far away, Don’t look for me in the snow, Don’t go out looking when winter comes, For my love for you, they can never show.
When I go far away, I won’t tell you to wait. But if you can have faith, Hear what I’m going to say: I will return one day, when the snow is falling on a starlit night… I will be back to see you, and hold you tight! And it’ll be alright.
You can forget me while I’m gone, But you can also choose to remember, our forever.
And when that day comes, it’s as though I was never gone. You can look into my eyes and see how I kept you in my soul, You can reach out for my hands and feel how love has kept me strong, even when all that was left of me, were unseen shadows that walked upon the snow.
Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, a poignant reminder of our capacity to love deeply and to feel profound loss. Whether it stems from the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any other form of loss, grief can feel all-encompassing, leaving us in a state of profound sadness and despair. Yet, within the depths of grief lies the potential for growth, resilience, and the rediscovery of joy and purpose.
When we experience loss, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by grief’s heavy weight. The pain may seem insurmountable, and the future bleak and uncertain. However, as time passes and we journey through the grieving process, we begin to find glimmers of light amidst the darkness. These moments of hope may be fleeting at first, but they serve as reminders that healing is possible, and that joy can coexist with sorrow.
One of the most profound aspects of grief is its ability to reshape our perspective on life. In the midst of loss, we are forced to confront the fragility of existence and the impermanence of all things. While this realization can be deeply unsettling, it can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. As we grapple with the reality of mortality, we are compelled to reevaluate our priorities, to cherish the moments we have, and to live with greater intention and authenticity.
Rediscovering joy after loss is not about forgetting or “getting over” our grief, but rather about learning to live alongside it. It’s about finding moments of beauty and meaning in the midst of pain, and allowing ourselves to experience happiness without guilt or shame. This process often involves embracing a wide range of emotions, from sadness and anger to gratitude and hope. It requires us to be gentle with ourselves, to practice self-care, and to seek support from others when needed.
One powerful way to find joy and purpose after loss is through acts of remembrance and tribute. Whether it’s creating a memorial for a loved one, participating in a charity event in their honor, or simply sharing stories and memories with others, these rituals can help keep their spirit alive and provide comfort in times of sorrow. By honoring the legacy of those we’ve lost, we find a sense of connection and continuity that transcends death.
Another important aspect of moving forward after loss is finding meaning in our own lives. This may involve pursuing passions and interests that bring us joy, connecting with our loved ones in new and meaningful ways, or finding purpose in helping others who are also experiencing grief. By channeling our pain into positive action, we not only honor the memory of those we’ve lost but also find healing and fulfillment in the process.
Ultimately, moving forward after loss is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s important to give ourselves permission to grieve in our own way and at our own pace. It’s okay to have good days and bad days, to laugh and to cry, to stumble and to rise again.
In the end, grief is not the end of the story but rather a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of our lives. By embracing the pain, finding joy in the midst of sorrow, and rediscovering our sense of purpose, we honor the past while embracing the future. And in doing so, we learn that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Grief is a blanket
