I have mentored widows and widowers the past few years; and find we all share a common thread. Whether it happened yesterday, last week, last year or by now is just a memory, we can all close our eyes and remember the moment we knew we were losing him or her; or the moment it happened and certainly the day they were put to rest.
These images never fade. This became abundantly clear to me one day when I read the introduction to a book I was writing about myself at the time, to a group I was facilitating. I asked, if what I was reading resonated with anyone, to please raise his or her hand.The response showed me we all have mourning pages to write, as well as stories of healing to share.
Writing helps us to reclaim our voices. Cry, scream, laugh, and celebrate the life you had together…or rant, and then tear it all up. Personally, I believe it is far better to bemoan the fact that you lost your partner too soon, than to feel you’d been together too long; but if that is your story, write about that, too. Grief doesn’t have a time limit. Writing will give you a way to get the words out long after others are unwilling to listen.
Write your story and keep it for yourself or share it if you choose or just shred it, if it makes you feel better. It’s all about you… Journaling isn’t meant to be a work of art. It’s simply meant to be words from your heart put down on a sheet of paper.
Grammar and spelling don’t matter!