The Pain of Loss

Recently, a friend moved away. As I was saying the last goodbye, she said as good as the move was, she just kept realizing a different level of loss and grief in leaving. It brought to mind a moment last June when our family said goodbye to my husband's grandma, when my father-in-law said something like "loss hurts so much, because we love so much." If we didn't love, didn't feel connection, it wouldn't hurt to say goodbye. I shared this with my friend and thanked her for the love, friendship and connection that we have built. In this instance, I know I can talk to her, write her and go visit...our talks and visits just won't be as frequent anymore.

But another friend of mine is facing a tough anniversary next week, a death in the family, a loss that doesn't span miles...but a lifetime. I grieve with her and for her and I pray...I pray that she feels the love and connection she had was worth the pain of this loss. I pray that everyone walking through this hurt right now will find a way to keep reaching out for connection. We were created for connection, for love, to belong, and I believe with all my heart that it is worth risking for, worth being brave for.