So, yes, the answer is, grief never leaves. But, we can learn how to let grief walk with us, without controlling us. I liken it to this: When I was younger, and before camera phones, we had to actually print out pictures if we wanted to see them. And when they were first printed, they were full of vibrant colors and you could see all the details in the photo. Yet, over time, as the picture aged, it faded. The colors dimmed. You couldn’t see the details as well. The corners ripped. The picture was still there, but it wasn’t as clear. You remember the moment and the feeling, but you don’t see it as clearly anymore. And for me, that’s what grief is. It’s always there but it does get better. You just have to allow it. You have to feel it. You have to go through it. You have to stop fighting it. And, when you least expect it, you will come out the other side. I promise you will come out the other side, even with grief holding your hand.
**This story was written by Diana Register and originally appeared on Love What Matters. Check out her books “Grief Life” and “My Kid Is an A**hole, and So Is My Dog” available in print and kindle. Connect with Diana on Facebook and Instagram.
