“Don't be ashamed to weep; 'tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us.”― Brian Jacques, Taggerung
So much can change in a year. This time last year, my dad went in for surgery to have his kidney and ureter removed. He bled internally and barely made it through the surgery.
Six months later, on December 3rd, 2019, he left this earth.
The day he found out he had cancer, he bought me this lovely rose bush.
It is a beautiful reminder for me of my dad's courage, as well as his love of nature, something I'm so glad he instilled in me.
I am so grateful to have this, and so many other good memories with my dad.
Grief is such a hard thing to go through. It is unpleasant and we often want to push through it quickly just to feel better. But it's important to allow your heart the time and space to feel the pain. And to cry. The tears will unlock the sadness and cleanse you. You will emerge from it more humble, compassionate and you will also be stronger. The grief is a reminder that you learned to love, which is the greatest thing you'll ever learn.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return."
-Nature Boy by Nat King Cole
