Death and Grief

A Sudden Death

Yesterday, what seemed to be an ordinary morning was shook with the news that a dear aunt had suddenly passed. We had just seen her a week or so before. My maternal grandmother also left so suddenly, as did a very dear aunt/mother to me. A shock for everyone, and a reminder of how death can come so swiftly. Don’t take anything, anyone for granted. Every day could be your last with them. Every conversation may be the final one- so be kind. Love more. Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations. Death can be brutal. Death can be unkind. Death can be so sudden, an unexpected, unwelcome guest who leaves you at its wake with no words to speak.

Grief is complicated

Grief is a b*tch. We have to go through life as ‘normal’ when everything has changed. If you’re supporting someone through grief, don’t forget that it’s a long-term thing. Months and years down the road, grief will suddenly show its ugly face. Again, be kind. Be tolerant, and be supportive. Show up. Actions always speak louder than words. And if you’re the one going through the grief- hold on tight, take it day by day. Joy will come again sometime. Don’t beat yourself up. You deserve joy and happiness even while experiencing grief, for joy and happiness and life is our birthright. The less you pay attention to grief, the better it gets. And the opposite is true- the more you dive into it, the more painful it will be. Not diving into the pain doesn’t mean you are denying your love for the one you’ve lost.

With that, I leave you the following poem that I hope you will like.

Embracing Life, Confronting Death, and the Courage to Live Fearlessly

In the tapestry of life, a thread so fine, woven with grace, the dance of divine. A subject taboo, yet a truth we must face, In the embrace of death, find life’s sweetest grace.

Oh, let us not fear the inevitable end, But instead, as companions, let us attend. For in the whispers of shadows, a wisdom we find, That death is but a friend, gentle and kind.

Speak of it openly, break the taboo’s chain, Let conversations flow like soft April rain. Prepare for the journey, as flowers in bloom, In the garden of life, death is not doom.

Support one another, with empathy’s art, For each beating heart will one day depart. Yet in the sharing of sorrows, a strength does arise, An unspoken bond beneath the vast skies.

Live like you’re dying, with passion and fire, Ignite every moment, let love inspire. The ticking of clocks is a rhythmic reminder, To cherish each breath, a fleeting, sweet cinder.

Do not be afraid, for fear is a veil, Concealing the truth that will ever prevail. In the depths of our hearts, our Supreme Friend does reside, A comforting presence, a love that won’t hide.

So let us embrace life, with its joys and its sorrow, Knowing that death is a part of tomorrow. In the grand cosmic dance, where beginnings do end, We find solace and peace, with our eternal friend.