Blessings

"God Bless the broken road that led me straight to my children" A friend in grief recently posted this, speaking of her angel daughter, living son and son on the way.

So often we only think of the sadness and pain associated with our losses, not the gifts that come as a result of our losses. Subsequent children, life lessons, new friends, courage, faith, hope. These "gifts" are so powerful. We are changed so completely by our losses we hardly recognize ourselves.  In the beginning, it can be hard to think you will ever be happy again. As time goes on, even though our sadness continues, we long for happiness again. When the initial shock of our loss has worn off a little, it is possible to start seeing the miracles our children leave with us. The little signs, others may take for granted, a sunny day, a butterfly, a new friend. It's important to not let the grief cover you so much that you cannot see these things. I try to see only the happy times and "good" left behind by my son. Without his passing, I would have never found out about a potentially life-threatening condition I carry. Apparently, my life is important enough to stay here, as hard as that is without him.  Without his passing, my marriage might not be so strong. Apparently, my husband and I belong together. I would not have created this blog. Apparently, it can be helpful to other living in grief. The list is almost endless, the blessing my son has bestowed onto me.  I am thankful every day for my son. Without his passing, I would not have seen the light.