We've all heard that "death is a part of life." It just doesn't make it easier, does it? I've read there are 5 stages of grief –denial (this can't be happening to me), anger (why me?), bargaining (if I could change this one thing, maybe it would be different), depression, and acceptance. What makes your sadness & grief easier and get to the acceptance stage faster? I think the answer is friends.
When my father passed away when I was 12 years old which was 17 years ago today, one of my best friends Katie Cuff was with me when my mom got the news. Katie witnessed one of the hardest things in my life and we are forever bonded by it. To comfort me, she made me a card and wrote this inside – I saved it in my photo album of my dad.
When someone dies, they don't really go away
They stay with you until your very last day
Your head is filled with madness and anger of all kind.
But that doesn't mean you have to leave everything behind.
You'll always have those good times that float around inside,
And it's good to have some tear drops to help them on their ride.
Death really makes me think about the mystery of life.
And how so many things that happen can't possibly be right.
But we go on fighting and hope life brings the best
And having a close friend is better than the rest.
I love ya Libby. Katie Cuff.
Pretty mature for an early teenager, don't you think? So how do you support your friends and family in tough times? Here are some beautiful sympathy cards that you can create. These ideas from our designers could be helpful the next time you want to help someone during their difficult time. This card is from Julia Aston. She's stamped the butterflies from PSA Cupcake.
This card is from Carly Robertson– she's stamped the flowers from PSA Cupcake.
We'd love for readers to share stories of support and friendship during hard times today.
I'm thinking of you today Libby!! My grandmama died on my 9th birthday. I didn't really comprehend death, but I knew she wasn't going to be coming back. I was sad and confused because my aunt was coming to stay with my brother, who was 5, and I while my parents flew to Florida where she was. I remember my brother, in his little feetie pj's holding onto his Garfield stuffed animal asking me, "why is everyone leaving on your birthday?" I explained as only a 9 year old could, "grandmama went to play in heaven." My brother then said, "I wish she didn't go to play on your birthday." I hold this me always. Every year on my birthday, I don't wake up thinking "YEAH! It's my birthday!" but rather, "I miss you grandmama." For a long time I was so sad about this. But in a way, i'm lucky. The last thing she did was send me my patent leather shoes for my birthday. Every year, no matter what was going on, I would get new patent leather shoes from her for my birthday. So when she passed, I knew she was thinking of me. We had always been close. But that forever bonded me to her.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers today Libby.
Hugs.