Getting Over This

Today's contemplation is about "getting over this".  We all ask ourselves how long it will take to get over this, and the truth is we will never get over it.  But we WILL get through it, putting our loss in its proper perspective and accepting our life as it is now, forever changed.  Time heals, but time alone cannot heal the suicide survivor.  Use this time to heal yourself and lean on the help and support of others. 

Sometimes it takes years to truly restore your emotional well-being, but one thing is true:  it will get easier.

There will be days when you think you're past the hardest parts, and suddenly your sadness returns, sometimes even years later.  It's normal, but generally, coping with the loss will get easier over time.

I know there will be days when a certain song plays on the radio, the smell of fresh cut lumber, or even just a photo appears out of the blue and all the pain and sorrow comes rushing back.  It's important to remember to focus on positive thoughts when these things happen.

I'm sure there will be people who's path crosses mine who will make an insensitive remark, because suicide is generally misunderstood. People will feel inept at offering comfort.  Its human nature, and it would be wonderful if people rose above it.  If someone begins to question you with morbid curiosity, or conveys their own self-important theories, simply sidestep them by saying "I'd rather not talk about it right now". 

That's always my own personal concern when it comes to this, and the reason that I have kept things quiet at work.  My BigBox store is full of gossipy people and I don't think I could endure the ones who would try to discuss this situation because of their own reasons, rather than offering comfort.

Each of us will travel through this life event at our own pace. 
Some days will be harder than others for us.
But we WILL get through it.