Still struggle on a Daily basis. But the waves don’t come as often as they did. I have been trying to live in the sunshine of my daughters life as opposed to the shadows that are her loss. It’s not easy, and a picture, or a word, smell, or thought can still break me down. But I see the progress I have made in eight months.
Thank you so much for checking in. It means so much.
Very glad to see you back and checking in, and I hope that the pain - and the waves of realisation - come less frequently and less powerfully than they used to.
Yes, eight months - nine in my case - do allow for some progress and some amelioration of that awful ache.
However, the pain (and the laughter) both remind you that you are human.
From my own perspective, I can say that it does get a bit easier with time, and, that while the loss - and elements of sharp and agonising grief will always be with you - the acute and savage and visceral pain does lessen and is reduced with time.
And the memories are more welcome in some ways, because while you may smile more and cry a bit less, - it is a way of saluting the memory of who she was and what she meant to you which means that you can connect with that in a positive way.
I think trying to live in what you have so beautifully described as "the sunshine of your daughter's life" - as opposed to the shadows of her loss - is a wonderful thing, and a lovely thing and a positive thing; I try to do something similar when re-visiting my rich memory banks where my mother resides, not always successfully - as shadows must have their say, too - but I find it healing and restful and restorative.
Now, when I think of my mother (and I do so often), it is mostly with a smile, and a shared story with my brother; the ache of loss and pain and sorrow and grief are still there, but, these days, I am increasingly cheered at some of the passing thoughts and fleeting glimpses and reminders of my mother, rather than bowled over with grief and sorrow (although they still visit).
Be kind to yourself - give yourself time to grieve and to heal to some extent - and salute her life - her shared life with you - and the love you shared.