Did you know that we are currently working on publishing my private journal and Facebook entries? After several different friends reached out to me and asked if I could combine all of my social media posts into a book I decided that I would also publish much of my journal. These entries consist of the entire year after Maggie died. We are in the editing stage so have quite a way to go but we
For all my loss mamas out there. I know. I know how hard today is. For some of us, it’s harder than Christmas. Suddenly, you are forced into a new year where no new memories will be made. The memories of your child grow further and further behind you. Suddenly, you aren’t able to say, “My child died this year” or “my child died last year.” What in the world do I tell people now?
From the time Maggie died, I heard quite often that the second year of grief is much worse than the first. I heard that the full reality of my daughter’s death would suddenly hit me and I would be in a worse place then I was in that first year. This was really hard for me to hear because I was suffering so deeply and so intensely. I did not want to imagine things going
It seems so strange to write about death with Christmas only three days away. After all, isn’t Christmas about the life and birth of a newborn King? Isn’t Christmas about a young woman who said, “Yes” to bringing this Little One into the world? How can a person write about death during, what is considered to be by many, the most joyful holiday season of the year? Yesterday, I went shopping with my husband. It
Tucked away, deep inside, is a burning love that often comes out as grief. Tears, laughter, memories, all burning holes in my soul pushing me forward toward that day when she is not simply tucked inside my heart but truly in my arms. "Forward!" is the cry of the heart! "Don't stop!" is the chant of the soul. "Courage!" is the shout of the will.
Courage, dear one. Take heart. You have purpose and mission in this life. Be of good cheer! Move ever forward.
#JoyfulLikeMaggie
This has been one of my favorite pictures since Maggie died. Her hair was long and black and she was about the size of the little girl in this picture. What blessed assurance we have!
#JoyfulLikeMaggie
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I have searched for this artist and not been able to find whose artwork this is. If you know, please let me know so I can add their name.
What is grief? How does it impact the person? What can you do to help a friend who is grieving? In order to help someone who is grieving, we must first attempt to understand what it means to walk in their shoes. One of my goals with this blog is to show you, with words, what grief is like. Leave behind the “I could never imagine” and begin to imagine with me for just one moment.
joyfullikemaggie.com/grief-is-complicated/
"Dear Maggie, I know Heaven is so much better than Valentine's Day here on earth. I still can't help but wish I could give you just one hug. I bought you and your sisters and brother a stuffed animal just like I do every year. It's sitting on your table and looking lonely with no little girl to snuggle it. I made a valentines card for you and that sits alone as well with my tear drops all over it. I'll never get over you and I know I'll always feel this hole in my heart that only you can fill. One day, my girl, and we will never part again. Till then, pray for me every day lest my courage and strength fail. I love you now and forever. Give your baby sister a hug for me. Love, Mom."
Have you ever had to walk with a friend in the darkness? What did that look like for you?
Walking with a friend in the dark can be scary. You may not know what to say or how to act. You may not understand at all how they feel. All of this is ok! The fact is that walking with your friends will give them the support they need and the love they must feel to begin to heal.
So, thank you! Thank you for walking with my family. Thank you to those who reach out. Thank you for your support and prayers and love. Without these, we would not be where we are now. YOU are so important to us.
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