Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Grief Monster (Written In My Own Self Pity)

Nathan and I had some much needed time alone the other night as we drove an hour to retrieve a Santa gift for Noah. We just needed time to connect and this usually means reflecting on our life together and the tragedy we have come to know quite well.

Grief is like a monster always lurking around us. In my honest opinion it is like the Devil always rearing his head in the midst of provoking sin. Unlike the Devil we can't fight this awful monster. Nathan and I agreed that we are stuck in this life with the monster who has taken control over our lives. At least that is how I feel at times. Sometimes I feel trapped in a dark room with no way out and no one to hear my screams. Sure we have our good days but even on our best days there is a shadow of sadness that looms in every part of our being.

When we wake up in the morning there is again the realization that this is not a dream. I pass Evan's dark, empty room each morning as I walk down the hallway to get the boys. Everything in his room is just as he left it with his little toys sitting on shelves and his clothes folded neatly in the drawers. His little pajamas from the night before he passed away are sitting on the bed unwashed. I often find myself just laying on his bed holding his jammies close to me, as his smell is all I have left to hold onto. His toothbrush is sitting on his dresser with remnants of toothpaste between the bristles. I sometimes sit in my own self pity and cry wondering how this became our life. This is the life of grief.

I leave to take Noah to school and always pass a school bus or two reminded that I didn't put Evan on the bus. I pass the funeral home on my way to Noah's school where I stood next to my precious child laying in a casket for hours on end. We attend church were I touched his little face one last time as the funeral directer slowly closed him in, knowing that I would never again get to touch his soft skin or hold him in my arms. While on our way to St. Louis the other night we passed the cemetery where he is buried. It was dark, cold, and pouring rain. I said to Nate "there's our sweet little boy".

People often tell me how strong I am and the fact is I am not at all. The strength that I do have comes from God and each day I pray for Him to help me put one foot in front of the other. Some days are certainly easier than others. Nathan and I remind ourselves that we are so blessed and have so much to be grateful for. The two wonderful little boys that we have here on earth is the medicine that keeps us going.

The other morning while having coffee with a dear friend she reminded me that our story makes her appreciate her children even more. This is such a wonderful thing to hear. I hope that people everywhere love their children and make each and every moment count.

5 comments:

Erica said...

I agree. Knowing your story makes me appreciate my children more. And I always remember how you said you had a good night before he passed...and there are nights where I am ignoring the kids, doing housework and such and I think of you and wonder if this would be the way I'd want to spend my last night with my kids. There have been more times than I can count that I have thought of you, put down my work, and made that night count. I am guessing your family and your story has affected so many more than you ever will realize!

Delenn said...

It is true--I read how much you love Evan, how much you miss him...and I immediately think of my children and want to protect them, want to hold onto them forever. We cannot stay in one place. Life goes on. And you are doing that with your two boys, Evan's brothers who will be able to carry that devotion to Evan througout their lives. I cannot imagine your pain, but I can see how you are living with it. And I am heartened.

Wishing you the best through this tough season.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for some time now. I have not shared your pain, but your writing has always struck a chord deep within my heart. I admire your strength and your honesty. I enjoy checking your blog daily to read what you have written and to see how you are doing. I wish that there was something that I could say that could convey all that I feel in my heart for you and your family.

But I am hoping that you can take comfort in knowing that your life reminds me to hug and cuddle and kiss my children a little bit longer each day. When I feel the frustration of daily life getting to me, I try to remind myself to stop and think "if this was my last day with my family, is this how I want to leave things between us?"

Thank you so much for making me realize how lucky I am to have each and every day with my family.
I wish you some peace and comfort this Christmas and I hope that life will get easier, as I know it can never be "better" ever again.

Wishing you much love and a new year filled with new hope and promise.

Alison
P.S. I hope my post won't creep you out. I am not a mean or weird stalker!!!

Daven said...

Thank you so much for your comments girls! I do read them and certainly take them to heart!

Alison, I am sure that I have lots of blog stalkers...lol Thanks so much for following my story and big hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

My little boy has been sick all week. Every night I've been up all night with him. I'm tired, I'm stressed, I'm frustrated. But every night I think to myself how so many people would kill to be in my position. I wouldn't think about that if it weren't for you. You may not think you are strong but you are, and you're an inspiration to more people than you know. Merry Christmas.

"While we try and teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."