Sitting here in this cozy room, I can’t help but feel a sense of emptiness when I look out into the hall. It’s like staring into a void, and it brings to mind that famous quote from Nietzsche about the abyss staring back at you.

The emptiness is strong, almost painfully so, and I’m struggling to turn it into solitude like I’ve managed to do in the past. There’s something missing, something more than just confidence. It’s almost like a physical presence, a support system that used to be there.

If you’re following me on social media, you probably already know what I’m talking about. Or rather, who I’m talking about.

It’s been six months since my mother passed away. It’s strange how life goes on even in her absence. I go about my daily routines, but it’s hard to forget that she’s no longer here. She was the one who guided me through tough times when I lost my vision as a teenager. She filled me with self-assurance and the strength to face life’s challenges.

I once told her that I draw my strength from her, that her mere existence in the world kept me going. I didn’t fully understand the weight of those words until February 27, 2023, the day she left us.

Grief is a complicated emotion. It’s not easy for anyone to fully grasp unless they’ve experienced it. In our culture, showing too much empathy to a grieving person is seen as inviting grief into your own life. Sometimes, grief can be so overwhelming that it’s hard to even put it into words.

Though I’m still grieving, I’ve moved past the initial shock and disbelief. Don’t get me wrong, I still struggle to accept that she’s gone. But I want to explore grief, to find some comfort for those who are also dealing with loss.

Many say writing is a healing process. It’s a way to confront pain and trauma directly and gradually release their grip. Writing is often seen as a tool to extract meaning from the agony and trauma of loss, enabling one to eventually release the pain while internalizing the profound lessons it imparts.

I truly hope that this journey of sharing my experience through writing will serve as a means of personal growth. By translating my emotions into words, I aim to not only acknowledge the weight of grief but also uncover the silver linings it carries. Through this process, I’d like to free myself from the clutches of sorrow, allowing the wisdom gained to shape a path towards greater positivity.

Grief, I’ve learned, is a mix of many things. It’s about cherishing memories, finding meaning in a life well-lived, and coping with the loss. Everyone goes through it at some point. It’s a way of growing up, of carrying forward the legacy of the person who made a difference in your life. The best tribute you can give is to live out the values they taught you.

I can’t say if I can truly honour my mom’s memory or express the depth of my feelings, but I’m sharing my experience of grief in these posts. Maybe it can bring some comfort to those struggling with loss, especially people with disabilities who often find themselves facing greater challenges in finding companionship and family support.
Let me know how you’ve dealt with grief if you’ve experienced it before. How do you comfort someone who’s grieving?