Healing Is…

So now I want to share an update from "Grief Is" to "Healing Is":

Having a really good day and new people to share it with.

Excitedly decorating my new place.

Not crying myself to sleep but instead falling asleep with a smile.

No longer crying in the shower, into my pillow, at my desk, in church, walking around stores, driving down roads and sitting on the couch by myself.

Waking up with a smile every morning.

No longer being triggered by the sirens from emergency vehicles but instead feeling an immense amount of gratitude for the first responders inside them.

Conquering my fear of going back to the hospital and even laughing and creating new memories with the kids while we were there.

Being excited to celebrate my 50th birthday in a few weeks and looking forward to the years ahead. Recognizing that aging is a gift and wanting to celebrate it for those who didn't get to.

Smiling and singing to every song played on the radio.

Knowing that I'll be truly happy again and not feeling guilty about it.

Being excited about the future.

No longer just going through the motions and simply existing each day but looking forward to the joy and laughter that each day now brings.

Knowing that we were blessed, having no regrets about our life and believing that there's still a life full of joy, laughter and love waiting for me to experience.

Loss is tragic and our lives are never the same, but to take the pain we're left with and channel it into joy and hope as we move forward is truly the best way to honor the lives of those who loved us so very much.