What a beautiful, heartfelt story that had me tearing up. I can’t imagine the level of pain your heart carries no matter how much time goes by. I’m so sorry for your loss Jennifer.
Hard to write after the loss of a son, even after 27 years. I write each year with a yearly letter suggesting what 'may have been' for the year for my son, if he were still alive.
I’m so sorry about your son Jason. There’s no amount of time that makes everything all better. We heal but we continue to love. So to some extent we must also continue to grieve. ❤️🩹
I love your yearly letter idea. Do you find yourself feeling comforted after writing it? I’d be interested to hear more about the practices that have helped you.
After writing each letter, I do feel more comforted.
I still celebrate his birthday every year, make a cake and wish for.... all the usual wishes we have for our children.
Honouring my child like this is one of the practices I have that helps.
I haven't read your book and don't know your journey outside of this Post, yet I know for me, grief is also honoured each year and also for me, it's never really left me and returns to tell that story it needs to express when it comes.
Very much agree… grief never really leaves us. It returns and has a story that needs to be expressed. I love the way you explained that. God bless you on your journey Jason.
“Women — daughters, mothers, doctors, and writers — share how grief reshapes our lives, and how living alongside it teaches courage, love, and purpose”.
Kristina, Jennifer’s story moved me on several levels.
First, it touched me because my son passed in 2016, and even though he was an adult, it was still a heavy blow to find myself planning the funeral of my only son and one of my four children.
Second, it reminded me that as I was going through grief, attending grief support group gave me some comfort and something I recommend to others.
Third, I reflected on a two-part piece I wrote about my son’s passing and how we honored him. It will appear in my upcoming memoir, but I’d be happy to share it for your publication if you wish.
Fourth, her story emphasizes the power our stories have not only for our own healing, but the power they have to touch and aid others in their healing.
Thank you for continuing to share meaningful and authentic ways to help us learn, grow, heal, and thrive.
What a beautiful, heartfelt story that had me tearing up. I can’t imagine the level of pain your heart carries no matter how much time goes by. I’m so sorry for your loss Jennifer.
Thank you for your kindness. I carry loss but also so much love. That’s the beautiful thing in all of this… the love never fades. ❤️
Hard to write after the loss of a son, even after 27 years. I write each year with a yearly letter suggesting what 'may have been' for the year for my son, if he were still alive.
I’m so sorry about your son Jason. There’s no amount of time that makes everything all better. We heal but we continue to love. So to some extent we must also continue to grieve. ❤️🩹
I love your yearly letter idea. Do you find yourself feeling comforted after writing it? I’d be interested to hear more about the practices that have helped you.
After writing each letter, I do feel more comforted.
I still celebrate his birthday every year, make a cake and wish for.... all the usual wishes we have for our children.
Honouring my child like this is one of the practices I have that helps.
I haven't read your book and don't know your journey outside of this Post, yet I know for me, grief is also honoured each year and also for me, it's never really left me and returns to tell that story it needs to express when it comes.
Very much agree… grief never really leaves us. It returns and has a story that needs to be expressed. I love the way you explained that. God bless you on your journey Jason.
This is beautiful! It’s very personal and touching, as Grief often is. Thank you 🙏🏽 for sharing your story, writing helps Grief move along a bit.
I often tell others this “I know Grief well” and curated a post late last year on Grief of daughters and mothers.
https://dranneyvarghese.substack.com/p/grief-of-daughters-and-mothers
“Women — daughters, mothers, doctors, and writers — share how grief reshapes our lives, and how living alongside it teaches courage, love, and purpose”.
Thank you for sharing your story and your compilation post from daughters and mothers. Each story is very beautiful and poignant ❤️
Such a beautiful way to heal. Thank you for sharing.
Want to share vulnerable memories and think it's too scary to share them publicly? Join our Club Chat with Jennifer: https://substack.com/chat/443311/post/bfc80faf-ea0a-4a09-8c79-3649acf96536
Kristina, Jennifer’s story moved me on several levels.
First, it touched me because my son passed in 2016, and even though he was an adult, it was still a heavy blow to find myself planning the funeral of my only son and one of my four children.
Second, it reminded me that as I was going through grief, attending grief support group gave me some comfort and something I recommend to others.
Third, I reflected on a two-part piece I wrote about my son’s passing and how we honored him. It will appear in my upcoming memoir, but I’d be happy to share it for your publication if you wish.
Fourth, her story emphasizes the power our stories have not only for our own healing, but the power they have to touch and aid others in their healing.
Thank you for continuing to share meaningful and authentic ways to help us learn, grow, heal, and thrive.