Time is relevant…use it wisely.  Time is precious…don’t take it for granted.  It’s hard to believe that it’s been one year and nine months since Justin passed away. I miss my baby daily and deeply.

Through this grieving process, I’ve learned that happiness is largely a state of mind. God created us with the ability to make choices.  We can choose to be happy or we can choose to be perpetually miserable. Justin always wanted me to be happy. How do I know? He expressed it to me or more than one occassion. It was obvious in our conversations and interactions. This young man was a deep thinker…very reflective.

Choosing to be happy doesn’t mean that we will never be sad.  It means that we will continually choose to do things that lift us us up. Some of the things that I find helpful are: An active prayer life, surrounding myself with positive people and letting the negative ones go, being active in church and other uplifting projects and activities. Also, I enjoy exercising: golf, tennis, aerobics; reaching out to other people who are also experiencing loss of a friend/loved one…in particular the loss of a child.  In helping others, I also help myself.

Have you experienced the loss of someone close to you?  What do you do to help you get through the rough times?

Justin

Thoughtful Reflections