Gifts from the Other Side

My journey of grieving has also meant receiving gifts from the other side. I have experienced a strengthening of friendships, some of which I made through Paul.  And, surprisingly enough, new friends have reached out to share what he told them about me. These gifts from Paul have been a remarkable part of my journey.

My friends have been my source of strength when I needed it the most. You probably don’t know this, but even a simple text message gives me a boost in a dark minute that I am trying my best to overcome.  A voice mail to check in with me brought a smile and a sense of relief that I am not alone, even though at times I feel like I am. This applies to my sister and two brothers.

To those of you that have disappeared, well, I am not angry but I encourage you to find a way to let go of your fears and learn how to deal with death. This process is inevitable. Your absence hurts.

Paul had a unique way of introducing his friends to others to forge relationships he knew would work. He also found a way to also do this for me through the friends I met with him, as well as our next door neighbors. You may not know this, but just getting me out of the house for dinner and spending time with your families made all the difference in simply being able to sleep that night.

Interestingly enough, some of Paul’s former patients have also reached out to me.  I have been told that he shared his newfound happiness and how much he loved me. I knew this, of course, but I had no idea that he spoke so openly about me. You may not know this, but revealing what he told you with me brought tears of joy and pride.  To be loved so deeply is one of life’s greatest gifts.

So, you see, I have been given the precious gift of friendships when I least expected it. Friendships of new, past, and present. I had these gifts all along and they are now paving my way on this journey.

I am so very grateful. Thank you so much, my love!

#grateful #friendship #gifts #grief