The Meaning of Loss
Loss is the one word in the dictionary that has no satisfying definition. See if you can find a definition that describes the pain, disorientation and shock of “now you see it, now you don’t”. How do you find the words to describe something or someone you depended on or cherished leaving in a split second? That’s all it takes, an instant for your life to be rearranged, torn apart or drastically changed forever.
There are losses that shake the very soul and challenge us to advance spiritually and persevere. Certainly the sudden loss of my daughter Joann was that for me. A tragic loss can come from the death of a child, loss of a spouse by death or divorce, loss of a pet, loss of a job, loss of a best friend, loss of a parent, the list goes on and on. A part of our life has vanished and it takes time to find peace with that.
Spiritual Healing
Amidst all of this traumatic change is an often missed doorway to transformations in life. A broken heart can be the stepping stone of letting more love and understanding enter your spirit. It takes work and a faith in the unknown but it is possible and very rewarding. It is a chance to start over, start over as yourself and beginning doing the things that give great meaning and comfort to your days. All you need to begin is the belief that your life matters and you are important. Give yourself permission to live a rewarding life while you embrace the memory of what you cherished.
Loss of a child
Mary takes her daughter to soccer practice excited about supporting her in their championship game…her daughter will not be alive for the championship game.
Loss of a spouse
Betty and Bob sit on the beach thanking God for the beautiful life they share together…..Betty dies in her sleep 5 hours later.
Yet that is what we try to find after a tragic loss, some understanding of what happened or why it happened. Even if you have watched an aged parent dying slowly in the hospital, the moment death arrives, there is shock and disbelief. Nothing can prepare you for that moment.
Loss of a parent
Barbara gives her best friend and mother flowers for her birthday and thanks her for being a source of love and light in her life…..the next day her mother is killed in an automobile accident.
Loss of a job
Kathy’s picture is taken for her company’s brochure advertising how they act with compassion and personal consideration with all of their clients…two months later Kathy’s job is eliminated from the company and she is drowning her pain in a dark den with drugs and alcohol.
Loss of a pet
Martin pets his dog Pete and gives him a treat before leaving for work. As he enters his driveway that afternoon, he looks for Pete waiting for him with a devoted look in his eyes and a tail wagging….Pete is not there because he died during the day behind the house.
Loss of Self
The greatest loss of all is the loss of self as a result of letting the pain and emptiness you feel take over and bury your spirit in a cave of pain and deprivation. You believe your best days are behind you and there is really nothing that can fill that emptiness you are experiencing.
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