Week 6...the first year anniversary

I didn't think about there being "anniversaries" for things other than marriages. I don't know why I didn't realize it, but I've learned about it and now experienced it. This other type of anniversary I'm talking about is connected to grief and the passing of a loved one.

There are so many firsts you must experience without those that have left the earthly world. These experiences are countless and difficult in their own rite. The first anniversary of Dad's death was different for me. October 24, 2022, I held my dad's hand for the last time. I kissed his forehead for the last time. I whispered in his ear, "I love you so much, Dad" for the last time. And I heard him take his last breath. That's the difference in this anniversary. It signifies the remembrance of the all the last things that happened that day. However, through hours and hours of grief counseling, I've also learned to focus on all the ways to honor my dad on this day and every day. I'm not going to lie, this day was tough for me. My emotions were all over the place and the reality of life without my dad hit me hard. I got through it...mostly from the love and support of those amazing people I call my family and also from my friends and my parents' friends. The texts or comments saying they were thinking of me or they too missed my dad were like hugs of comfort. I'm truly grateful for the support.

I also have a deeper empathy for those who have experienced this type of anniversary before me. I've now walked in your shoes and I understand these feelings and emotions differently, more profoundly. To everyone who has said goodbye to your dad before me, thank you for being brave and determined. I know the grief will always be there, but you all have shown me that it changes too. The grief is actually our love for them until we meet them again in Heaven.