One of the hardest things about going through the grieving process, for me, is coping with other people’s reactions to my grief. Everywhere I turn, it seems, there are people trying to hand me their own grief and issues. Or just expecting me to get on with getting on.
I can’t carry that for you. Not right now. Probably not ever.
I can’t take on what you need right now. I can’t be what you need me to be in this situation. I’m struggling just to keep afloat myself. Getting out of bed is herculean. My legs feel as if they are 100 pounds each, and walking is a chore. My brain keeps crashing, or rebooting without warning. Answering questions is excruciating, in particular any questions about anything having to do with making a decision or planning anything. I will do my best to be as invisible as possible, and to not speak up, and not volunteer. And I’m lazy and avoiding the hell out of everything right now. I’m struggling with trying to have patience. Crowds are weird. Corners are lovely. Mostly, simple video games are addictive, soothing, and consuming.
And Catholic churches are the best place to cry.
The thing I learned this week, though, is that all those people who are trying to hand me their “stuff” and wanting me to carry it for them. All those people that want to somehow make all of this about them, the people who seem to not understand that I need time, that I need space, that I need a little help; all that has nothing to do with me. I can’t take it personally. Anyone who has expectations of me that seem too high or who seems to be oblivious to what I’m going through and what it means, that’s just their “stuff”. It’s not even any of my business.
I just have to do what I have to do to get through this, and people will get along without my help, if I can’t give it. They’ll carry their own grief or fear of grief or whatever it is, and we’ll all get on in our own time.
I really do miss her, and I wish she were still here with us. The world is less fun, less magic without her.
Peggy Lu Who's Just Sayin' 