INSPIRASUNS

Grief can be a very difficult thing. It’s a very personal process. Everyone grieves in their own way, and to say what one should be feeling, well, we can’t do that. We all know there are stages of grief, and sometimes those stages seem unbearable. I do believe, though, that we must go through them to begin to heal.

Not long after my mom died, I was talking with our priest, and he explained that part of the process of dealing with grief was getting through the “year of firsts”. The first Mother’s Day, the first birthday (mine and hers), the first Christmas, etc. Each one of those firsts would carry different emotions, and it was important to allow myself to experience and process them. It was important to let myself grieve and let go of the pain that was inside.

He mentioned that I would feel differently on the other side of those firsts. Notice he didn’t say I would be all better, but that I would feel differently. I have to admit, at the time I thought he was crazy, there was no way I would be rid of the pain. Yet, on the other side of that first year, I did feel different. The memories that caused such pain and sadness, well, they began to sustain me; they made me smile and laugh. That year of firsts, well, it was the beginning of the healing, and I didn’t even realize it.

Why do I bring all of this up today? Well, you all know that we lost my brother-in-law five months ago today. And…today is his wife’s birthday. She is going through “the firsts”. So today is her first birthday in over 40 years without him.

Today, I want to share the birthday prayer for her. And…I simply ask that you keep Lois in your prayers as she goes through the firsts. Pray for Father to continue to give her strength to face each day, and to give peace to heal.

A birthday prayer for you, Lois.

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as her days increase; bless and
guide her wherever he may be. Strengthen her when she
stands; comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
her up if she fall; and in her heart may thy peace which
passeth understanding abide all the days of her life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you, friends, for your support each and every day, especially when I come here to ask for prayers. Have a wonderful day, and Happy Birthday, Lois. I know that Mac is celebrating with you in Heaven.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.