Lesson #4: On Grief
Dear Past Me,
I haven't written you for a while. Not that you didn't need it but I know that you can still handle it. I remember this day 17 years ago like it was yesterday. This was the time that Ate Josie died. It was devastating, sudden, definitely one of the saddest time of our life. I can't tell you that it would be the last nor that there would be events sadder than this but one thing is for sure life would go on and that everything will be fine. Death is the end of one's life on earth not the end of others around him. Life should go on even if it is hard, even if it is sadder now.
For what its worth this event showed who are those that genuinely love Ate and our family. Long time neighbors showed support, relatives came in to share our grief and true friends showed up to tide us over. It was perfectly clear who was really there to help us. Forget those nuisances that disrespected our family during that difficult time. This I can tell you as you have already decided by the time you received this, they were easily forgotten and is not connected with our family anymore (good riddance!)
From where our family goes from here is now in your hands. Guide the kids, help Mama and Papa, and don't forget to draw strength from God and your family. It will still be a bumpy ride but let God take the wheel now. Just talk to the driver always so that you know where you are heading.
Don't let the sadness and hate consume you, allow yourself to grieve but don't stay there for a long time. Sadness is a catalyst - it is your choice if you want it to be a positive or a negative reaction.
Your 65 Year Old Self
P.S. You are now starting your 5th life cycle. We always believe in new beginnings and this event is just part of it.
