Thoughts and Quotes

My journey to understand, learn, and educate myself about grief began eight years ago after my husband suddenly died. I went on a desperate search to find words to describe my sorrow, pain, and mourning. In the beginning, I couldn’t retain or read more than a paragraph. My grief brain was limited.

Over time, I’ve collected multiple quotes describing what grief looks like and have included them in my blog posts. As I’ve read other people’s stories and processed my own grief, I’ve come up with some of my own quotes to give words to what grief looks like. Here are a few for you to consider:  

Some things can only be seen in the dark.

Where you are is not where you will stay.

Loss does not define us, but it will change us.

With loss comes gain. You gain a different perspective as you move through the maze of grief.

Grief is like a bridge under construction. There’s a process of removal, renovation, rebuilding, and reconfiguration.

Knowing my grief is normal because I loved my husband is actually an expression of my love for him.

You don’t have to have the same loss to offer comfort to someone who is grieving.

Gratitude can be our life raft on the waves of grief.

As we grieve, our tears are being collected and gathered by the Lord.

My hope in sharing is that you will find hope in your journey, see your grief as a path to growth, deepen your relationship with God, and know you are not alone.

‘‘Grateful Yet Grieving’’

FREE ebook by Pam Luschei | Click HERE To Download

Say Their Name

Last week, my son received a phone call. The caller asked if my husband was there, using his entire name. My son replied, “No,” and ended the call. He went on to say, “I didn’t want to explain.” It wasn’t necessary. A stranger said my husband’s name. There was no connection.

But for me, when someone says my husband’s name, it’s music to my ears, causing my mind and heart to connect with a myriad of memories that make me smile.

When I meet someone for the first time, I say their name. However, I might not remember and say, “I’m sorry I forgot your name.” Nametags are extremely helpful for me. Saying a person’s name aloud is validating, declaring value as a person, and affirming their identity.

When we have experienced the loss of a loved one, we are left with finding ways to keep their name alive. Finding attachment to photos, personal items, and hobbies keeps their memory with us. But saying their name aloud is a deeply satisfying act of love we can experience.

A year ago, I became involved with a national ministry called Never Alone Widows. I took the online training and became a leader, which led to the launch of a local chapter. Last month at our Never Alone event, the spokesperson gave introductions and made a special mention of those who had lost their husbands during the current month. 

She recognized each spouse and spoke their name out loud. I was moved to tears to hear my husband’s name, slowly, with reverence. Fred.

Our brains are wired to light up with certain sounds, words, or images. Hearing our loved one’s name spoken aloud is a profound and powerful experience. When we say their name, we are continuing to create an enduring connection. We might tear up, but it’s okay. Their name is a beautiful sound.

‘‘Grateful Yet Grieving’’

FREE ebook by Pam Luschei | Click HERE To Download