The Healing Journey

It has been a little over two weeks since my best friend Cassie passed away and I am still in shock. She was only thirty-six with so much of her life ahead of her. I miss her more than words can say, but I am slowly but surely starting to get my bearings.

Grief is a journey, and for everyone it will be different. There are no rules and no way to get through it quickly. I am finding that keeping busy has kept me going, but that may not be for everyone - some may find they don't even want to get out of bed in the morning. The important thing to remember is to look after yourself as best as you can. Let people help if they offer. I also really recommend talking to someone. I have been seeing a grief counselor and it has really helped in my own healing journey. There are also local support groups and online bereavement forums, where you can get help from people who have been down the same road and are very willing to offer love and support in your time of need. Also, there are many good books out there to help you get a better understanding of the grieving process.

There are still many more tears that will be shed and much sadness, but I am trying to move forward as best as I can. I know Cassie would have wanted me to be happy and to continue with the website and newsletter, so that is what I am going to do. Please bear with me as I am going have to learn everything by trial and error. Cassie was brilliant at all the techy stuff and I am starting at square one. I just always thought she would be here to handle that side of it. Big life lesson, NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING and also cherish your loved ones, for in a blink of an eye they can be taken from you - so sad, but unfortunately so true!

I will blog as much as I can and also try and get the next newsletter out soon - most likely near the end of January. I have also decided to volunteer for the Family Resource Centre in my town - another part of the healing process for me. Only do what you can do, but by the same token I was given advice by my counselor to not wait until you feel better to do more, she said, do more and you will feel better. For some this may seem like an impossible feat, but it doesn't have to be much more, just a tiny bit more than you did yesterday.

Monicka