There are so many different perspectives or analogies on the loss of a child and grief. I have heard it compared to the seasons, weather, a book, and so much more. The following poem really struck me, especially near the end when it talks about strength and now being able to face anything. I also like how it talks about how the loss has made me the person I am today.
To some it may seem like a I am different person and to others it may not. But to myself, I feel different. I look differently at the world around me. I don’t expect. I hope. I hope that one day our family will grow. I hope that I can help others through their grief and healing process. I hope that people will begin to truly understand what it is like to loose a child. I hope to watch my dreams soar.
Shoes
I am wearing a pair of shoes.
They are ugly shoes.
Uncomfortable shoes.
I hate my shoes.
Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair.
Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step.
Yet, I continue to wear them.
I get funny looks wearing these shoes.
They are looks of sympathy.
I can tell in other’s eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs.
They never talk about my shoes.
To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable.
To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them.
But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes.
There are many pairs in this world.
Some women are like me and ache daily as they try to walk in them.
Some have learned how to walk in them so that they don’t hurt quite so much.
Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
No woman deserves to wear these shoes.
Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman.
These shoes have given me the strength to face anything.
They have made me who I am.
I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost a child.
-Author Unknown
I wanted to share something I found on grief that came across. It has been helpful to me to read and hear, so I thought I would share.
Love is in the air! Normally for Valentine’s Day we exchange cards and candy. But this year we decided to try something a little different. If we are looking for a place to eat we generally don’t choose a fine dining with white table linens. It’s not us and we don’t feel comfortable there. Usually to get a five course meal that is the type of place you would have to go.
Here’s to birthdays…where we can celebrate, reflect, and share. Not to mention…eat a ton of cake!
