Let’s talk about grief…

Good morning everyone,

I hope you’re all having a lovely start to the weekend 🙂

2023 was one of the most difficult years of my life, with losing Nana, Cap and Grampa in such close proximity to one another. I made a promise to you all that I would be as open and honest about my journey through coming to terms with it all as I could be, which is exactly what we’re going to be exploring in today’s blog.

Hello and Welcome to Sweeney’s Blogs!

Nobody or indeed nothing in life prepares you for the loss of a loved one. It’s an experience that doesn’t even feel real at first, but then, as you start to come to terms with it all, the emotions hit you and send your mind into all sorts of weird spirals – some of which are positive, others where we may need to rely on some support for a short spell.

I didn’t have any prior experience of losing somebody so close to me, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t have a clue what to do. People kept telling me that it would get easier with time, and I was left thinking “Okay, but how exactly?” I know that they were only trying to be helpful, but at the time, it felt like they were speaking a completely different language, it simply did not make sense to me 😅

Looking back, I can see that a part of me was searching for an immediate solution, some quick fix, which in reality, does not exist. The whole process was more so in line with gradually changing my mindset and the way that I was responding to what was happening to me and my family.

I slowly started to realise that although they are no longer with us physically, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be with us emotionally and in spirit. All of the kindness, compassion and wisdom that they instilled in me has helped shape me into who I am today, and I’m sure it’ll continue to help me grow moving forward 🌱

Nana, Cap and Grampa wouldn’t want me to spend every day feeling sad. Yes, they would completely understand that I am missing them, but they would want me to make the most of my life: to make those memories, try out those new things, and experience life in much the same way that they did – with a smile on their face, a positive attitude and the motivation to help support others.

One thing that made a huge difference to me on my journey through grief was reflecting on the memories that I shared with them all, thinking back on how lucky I was to have shared so much time with them. To be able to continue their legacies and make them proud – well, who could ask for more 🙏

I am, in no way, completely finished with my journey with grief. I feel like it’s something that we slowly become accustomed to as we process everything that happens to us in life. I like to be as open and honest with you all as I can. so if anything changes going forward, I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop 🙂

That’s all for today’s blog, what do you think? How do you celebrate/remember the good times shared with those closest to you? What’s one memory that you’ll always treasure?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a lovely day!