Finding Solace in Writing...

Since my husband's passing in August, 2024, I've lost interest in things I used to enjoy.. Nothing really seemed to matter much. I often feel lost, unsure of who I am, stuck in an unfamiliar place without hope that I'll find my way out...As part of my journey through grief, I tried thinking of new things I've always wanted to try but never pursued in hopes of finding something that could help me find light and joy and purpose...

One day, it hit me, I should try writing. I have always been a creative person, interested in art of many forms, particularly music but enjoyed hobbies like painting and doodling and the like. I never tried writing stories and using my imagination until that idea popped into my head. Since then, I have come up with a new children's book series that has lit a fire within me, giving me something to look forward to each day. It's become something that is tapping into qualities of myself that only my husband helped me see.. and in an effort to embody those qualities and be a version of myself he could be proud of, I was able to focus and write an entire series of 7 stories about a curious dog who find wonder and magic in everyday life.

This new found source of light has begun to ignite the imagination and inspire me to see life and everything around me in a different way. It has also opened up a part of my brain that looks back at moments of grief and analyze how I handled them.. which gets to me to the point of this post. Another story I have been inspired to draft is about something my daughter asked maybe a month after the accident...Does Heaven Have a Mailbox? At the time, being deep in grief I didn't know what to say and probably didn't handle it the way I could have. Thinking about it now, from the place i'm at more recently, I decided to try to write a little story on how I wish I had handled it.. The story also developed into something I hope parents could use to gently explain death and grief to a young child, when we cannot find the words.

So, here is a link for anyone who is interested in reading. Feel free to let me know your thoughts and whether you think it would be a helpful resource for parents and children navigating grief.

"Does Heaven Have a Mailbox"

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Sending you all understanding and hope of comfort during these incredibly difficult times.

 

That is a beautiful story and I do think it would help parents to read it. I believe along with you that you have found your purpose.
Chris