What is grief?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders,.......and let us run with perseverance the race
marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured
the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God..." Hebrews 12:1




How do we begin to talk about grief? The poem posted below is likely to meet with different reactions: some will think it is a beautiful and artful expression of a mother's search for resolution. Others will find it too painful to read. Perhaps in attempting to define grief, one element bust be it is individual. Even though individuals may walk the same path, they will notice different features as they travel. Some will notice scenery along its edges. Others will feel the breeze, take in the smell, feel the warmth or coolness of the air or listen to the sounds. At the end of the journey, each will take hold of one of those features.
Another component to defining grief is that it is normal. The emotional pain, anger, sense of powerlessness and many other feelings, is a normal response to loss. When we think of grief, as this poem depicts, we most often think of death. But people grieve over many losses. These include relationships that ended (including marriage), or never became what we hoped they would; employment or career aspirations that were never accomplished: loss of health; acquiring or being born with a disability; having a child with a disability--to name a few. I am sure many others can be added to this list.
The verse quoted is from the Bible; the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 12 verse 1-2. When I was in my forties, I decided to run the Chicago Marathon. When you run for three and four hours to train for such an event, you have plenty of time to think. I liken grief to a race, though I admit one we didn't choose to run unlike my desire to complete a marathon. We are not alone. I learned that having a friend to run with motivated me to continue when I was tired. Connections with others, and I believe with God, is our greatest support. Kind of like the water and Gatorade stops every 1 and one-half miles along the 26.2 mile course. Runners would faint without such support.

It is my hope that this blog will provide two things: First, a way to get in touch with and express our own thoughts. Second, a means of connection with others so we are motivated to finish our own race strong.