The Journey

I haven't written for a while and I thought I was suffering from writer’s block, but I now realize its grief. Next month I'll celebrate my 63^rd birthday and although I appreciate the wisdom and experience gained with age, I've come to learn that maturity comes at a price. Over the past two years I have suffered the loss of relatives and friends at an unforgiving rate. For each loss the grief was different, and it’s caused me to be in an almost constant state of mourning. It's also forced me to face my own mortality and own the fact that, not all of those we love will continue the journey with us. Ultimately, we are all born to die but I’ve grown to recognize death as simply a different journey of which we will all embark at some point.

I understand this realization may sound simplistic and for some harsh as we all grieve differently. And it will do nothing to console those still suffering losses, but for me it was somewhat cathartic. So, I’ve decided to use it to fuel my own journey’s continuation. I’ve become more appreciative of my friends and family and for some it may sound dark, but I’ve embraced the notion that each moment spent could be the last. I’ve never been one to travel in the world of “what if "or "if I had only" when it comes to life and events from the past as I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and although you can't rewrite your life story, you can certainly learn from it. The people placed in our lives are not there by chance and we should not be selfish but instead welcome the gift of their presence for as long as time allows. I also believe that every encounter and person we meet serves a purpose in our individual growth. Recognition of this fact ultimately adds to progression of the journey.

At any rate, I never claimed to be a philosopher I just had some rambling thoughts I wanted to share as part of my personal grieving process. I’ve gone through several stages of grief and on several occasions, I've attempted to put my feeling into thoughts. The fact that I was able to write this today without incessant tears is a bit refreshing.