Life, You took My Breath Away

This post took longer than anticipated, but I believe someone needs it. I hope it helps.

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Many years ago, a doctor told me that I was unintentionally holding my breath. She asked me to be mindful of it throughout the day, and when I did, it shook me.

I was subconsciously NOT breathing.

They say it is a coping mechanism, part of the “flight” in “fight or flight”. I started doing deep breathing exercises. It improved greatly, but there are still rare occasions when I have to slow down my pace and remember to breathe.

Grief is an insatiable consumer. It takes all you have to give, to share, and to keep for your yourself. It will snatch up even the remnants of peace you set aside to get through tomorrow.

It is the unstoppable drain.

The bottomless pit.

The unquenchable thirst.

There is no Richter scale that can register the full magnitude of its’ impact on your life, and the circumstances that bring about its’ existence none can escape.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalms 42:1

Whether the loss of a loved one, loss of love,

loss of finances, loss of health, loss of friendship,

loss of the life you once knew,

or loss of faith,

grief is a cross that we all at some point have to bear. It is a part of life,

and it takes our breath away.

I could never fully understand your grief, and you could never fully understand mine.