Grief is the opposite of joy. Like the moon and the sun.

When joy happens, our hearts sing with happiness. Our days are brighter, clearer and our energy is boundless like the warmth of the sun.

When an event happens and we lose someone or a pet, grief hits us like a splash of icy water, waking us from our sense of immortality and hurts like a dagger thrown at our heart. 

Today, I wanted to touch on the topic of grief because there is so much of it lately, in the world and those close to me. 

According to John Hopkins, COVID 19 has caused over 1, 979, 927 deaths globally. It is hard to imagine such devastating numbers. And yet each number represents someone’s child, aunt, uncle, godmother, father or mother.  And if it’s not covid 19, it is something else. Old age. Cancer. Brain tumor. 

“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”

–  Elbert Hubbard

Grief is like the moon. With darkness,there is a deep sense of despair and pain that at times one cannot begin to understand or comprehend.

I remember losing my younger sister, Navy, 30 years ago. My mom, my two sisters and I had made the treacherous journey, crossing the Thailand border on foot, seeking the land of the freedom, of opportunities for a better life. Unfortunately, she got badly bitten by mosquitos, contracted Malaria and before we could save her, died.

I remember standing  by her wooden crate, not quite understanding what death meant. Not understanding that when I called her name, she would not respond. That the body before me, was just a shell of her spirit. 

When it finally hit me that she was not coming back, it was as if a dam burst and I could not stop the tears. It was not fair. We were supposed to be going places together. And she left. 

As the tears rolled, I remember my dad assuring me that I would meet my sister again. He and my mother had prayed for another child and asked for her spirit to come back to the circle of our family. 

I remember feeling the sense of hope, that perhaps I would see her again. Through the tears, I smiled and my heart was somewhat happy again. 

As I share this story, I wanted to take a moment to recognize what you are going through. If you are going through a loss, I am here. I hear you. I am sending you prayers of strength and courage, of peace and boundless positive energy your way. 

Remember the good times. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Appreciate the moments and hold them closely to your heart.

And while it is hard at times to remember, even in the darkness of the night, the moon brings rays of light.

Moments of grief keeps us humbled and reminds us to focus on the important people and things in our lives.

If there is someone that is important to you, I encourage you to reach out to them and say why they are important to you. Did they change your life? Did they perform an act of kindness? 

Why wait until they have passed to say those things? Let them know while they are still here.

For those in the throes of grief, it’s okay to let the darkness come in. It’s inevitable and undeniable. But also don’t forget to focus on the sun, on the light and life. 

Only by living each day with meaning and purpose, could we leave this place with no regrets and our efforts continue to impact others even if we are no longer here. 

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