Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kelly on February 27, 2022 at 4:23pm

Hello Robin. It always takes me time to reply to people who post in here. I need rest and sleep before I can write one word without throwing myself back to day one, where it’s so raw and constant and dark. And that’s where you are since you are only a month in. I couldn’t write in here for 2 years. But I was desperate for someone who had my experience to say “it will be ok” and to tell me how they got there.

So much of what you said I felt and still feel. She who got to sit in the front row at the funeral but did not know all of him, and the desire to never hurt them anymore than they have been. I would not wish this pain on anyone.

I also found out on google bc there was no reply to texts for 12 hours. Disenfranchised grief with the shock of a sudden death is traumatic. The isolation of grieving in silence and alone is a huge burden. It’s a very complicated grief and I believe we have a more difficult road to healing than their families bc of it.

I can’t promise you will heal. The 3rd year anniversary of his death approaches March 10. I feel it less than the first and second years. But it will never be gone.

I highly suggest you do get a therapist so you don’t go crazy from the obsessive thinking and lack of outlet and support. That desire to talk about our lost loved ones is a natural compulsion. It’s like we are trying to solve an unsolvable problem.

You might also read “It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok”. You’ll hear things like the physical impacts on our bodies that are common for all who grieve. I at least found some relief in knowing these feelings/thoughts and how intense and long-lasting they were was a common experience.

But in the beginning there is nothing to give you much relief. No words or meditations or prayers can make it stop. I felt like I was drowning and on fire at the same time. I felt like I needed to be in a hospital. I felt like my insides vibrates and hurt all day. I was physically in pain and exhausted all the time. If you find something that makes you feel lighter focus on it as often and as long as you can.

You have my best wishes. May your memories be a comfort to you - someday.

Permalink Reply by Robin H on February 28, 2022 at 4:21pm

Hi Kelly.

Thank you for the reassuring words of wisdom. I fully understand about the delay in responding; I don't know that I'd be checking back much in an attempt to move forward either. It's certainly one of the most stressful & painful things I've gone through. Wishing you much support in the lead up to the 3rd-iverssary. Going to focus on healing too. Stay well. Robin

Permalink Reply by Kelly on March 9, 2022 at 4:21pm

Thank you Robin. Here I am the day before looking for something to help, connection to people who have the same feelings. Our tribe of support that we all need. Maybe if what I have gone thru can help someone else it will help me too.

Permalink Reply by Lana L. on February 28, 2022 at 7:45pm

Hi Robin,

I lost my SO nearly two months ago so it is pretty raw for me right now. I can relate on having so many questions surrounding the details of his passing and not knowing how I can get those answers. Over time, I had to find peace with the fact that I may not ever know everything about it. I obsessed over those thoughts but recently, have been better about it. 

I am sorry that you have to internalize a lot of your feelings - I can completely relate. I would recommend seeing a therapist. Perhaps in those sessions, you can share without fear of judgement. 

I was not able to get any details on the funeral so was never able to say a proper 'goodbye'. My story had some unique nuances to it but after it all, I felt like an outsider. I felt that while I was someone who was so special to this man, and he was such a big part of my life - the moment he passed, I had become a nobody. It felt like a stab in the heart. It is one of the worst feelings to feel, so I would recommend against bottling ALL of it on the inside. An outlet will allow you to process some of the complications of this grief. 

While everyone grieves differently, I found that journaling can be therapeutic for me. Maybe you can try writing some of your thoughts and feelings down. Sometimes, I find a quiet time during the day to myself where I sit and talk to him and say all the things I did not get to say. 

Losing someone is a crushing pain, and when you feel alone or like an outcast when you cannot even mourn or be there for the person you love and who loved you, it is an agonizing pain that is added on top. It is very hard and to date, the hardest thing I am dealing with in my life...but over time, the pain will not sting as the first few days or weeks. I believe the pain will become manageable with time. 

Lastly...my situation may be different from others in that I did not know my SO was married until after he passed. Even so, I conclude that the love he had for me was legitimate and was so very real, despite what I think other people may think. In this circumstance, I have to realize that it will not be my attendance at a funeral or a status that was publicly acknowledged that will give me validation - it is within the love he and I shared that I find validation for what I feel and the purpose behind my grief. So I hope you share in that - while you may not feel appropriate in grieving as you mentioned 'liberty', you have every right to feel the way you feel. I truly hope you can find either the outlets or the coping mechanisms that can help you on your journey to healing.

I wish you peace and wellness. 

Permalink Reply by Robin H on March 7, 2022 at 2:20pm

Hi Lana. Wishing you peace on your healing journey. I will keep your words close and try to stay positive, thinking about the fond memories we made in over the 12 years.

Permalink Reply by Addie on March 7, 2022 at 3:26pm

The pain does dull, or at least the intensely painful moments become far less frequent. I second the suggestion of seeing a therapist. It was essential for me. Also, it’s been 3 years in February, and I still journal regularly because it helps to put down in words. Grieving silently, hiding it from those closest to you, is brutal. It is also good to have at least one friend to share the story with.

Sending you love and peace. You’ll get through, I promise.