Grieving is a natural phenomenon among humans, but why must we have to say goodbye to those that we love so dearly, especially a child?

I’ve acquired an unwelcome stowaway of sorts that travels with me everywhere I go. Its presence is dark, heavy, and consumes my everyday thoughts, conversations, and relationships. It creates an eerie void in my mind resulting in numbness, forgetfulness, and sudden outbursts of crying. I want to pull over, insisting that this is the final stop for this shadowed passenger, but it assumes its position. This stowaway carries much baggage consisting of guilt, shame, and regret.

Finally, after many miles of traveling together, I engage in a conversation, and after an awkward introduction, it now has a name…Grief. I’ve gotten better acquainted with Grief, and I’m accepted even when I become angry and irrational. The more we talk, the lighter this journey together feels because Grief offloads some of the unnecessary baggage.

I shared my relationship and reliance that I have in God with Grief. Grief smiled and said, “You see, even though I am never welcomed to travel this world with you, once you can accept my presence, it will quiet your heart and illuminate the new direction God has for you.”

Today, I encourage you to talk to Grief in the presence of your Heavenly Father. Grieving is the experience we have on earth in the absence of our loved one. Focus on what is on the other side of that grieving and when we will be reunited with our loved ones. One day, you will share how you’ve come to grips with Grief with another broken-hearted traveler.