I first just want to say thank you. So many of you shared your prayers and love the past week after learning I found my best friend, maid of honor, classmate and GaBBY and Michael's godmother dead in her home after a battle with COVID-19.
I was so excited about a new year and fresh start from what will be considered one of the most challenging years in our lifetime: 2020. Tameka's passing blindsided and sucker punched me and all who loved her.
The pain of my loss is overwhelming at times. Helping GaBBY and Michael deal with what happened and heal is even more challenging. They are doing well -- expressing their feelings, shedding tears, sharing memories and laughing about good times we all shared.
The question now is how do we move forward? How do we parent through the pain? The answers: slowly and with granting ourselves grace. I'm first making it a priority to heal properly for my wellness, then so I can be who I need to be for my family. I started counseling sessions and enrolled in a grief support group through my church.
Gratefulness for the rare and precious 37-year friendship Tameka and I shared is starting to overcome the questions and anger, and I pray that continues.
Have you had to parent through pain? How did you do it?
Rozalynn
Hi Rozalynn,
Yes I have, at the age of 31 I lost my dad. At the age of 38 I lost my mom. At this time I was a single parent raising my one and only. He was both 6 and 13 during the hardest time of our lives. We powered through I think by staying busy, leaning on friends and family to talk and share stories, pictures, recipes of all the good times. In the beginning it’s tough to even talk about, because the heart is broken 💔. The healing (though the hurt never goes away) and the conscious decision to move forward in troubled time I think came from knowing my one and only needed me to be strong for him and our future endeavors. Also, knowing that our deceased loved ones wanted the best for our lives moving forward. As parents it is our responsibility to teach them perseverance in good and bad times. The loss of my loved ones (parents) taught me, to teach him ( at the appropriate time) the hard lesson of life not promised. As our President
Elect said this evening, there’s always light. Unfortunately, life is not fair and time heals sounds. Please know that it gets better with time, and that they continue to walk side us though not in the flesh. I pray my story helps you all in some way during this time as you find the way to move forward.
Veloria C.
Continued prayers to you all as you navigate this path of grieving…
My deepest condolences 💐 to you and her family. I pray God strength over your children lives and the lives of her family. God bless you love ❤️ you
My BFF of over 50yrs passed away in 2018. My children are all grown but her two girls were just coming into their own as young adults!!! I walked in her place for her baby girls wedding and that was difficult!!! I still think of something and then say to myself I need to call and tell her!!! Lots of alone time with God and just remembering all the laughs we had growing up!!!
First off I’m definitely praying for you and your family and your best friend’s family. You all have my deepest sympathy. I’ve definitely had to parent through pain. But let me tell you I didn’t have to do it by myself God was there every step of the way. Keep praying and believing he will provide everything you need. Trust the process and continue to be great.