"During mourning, we have the opportunity to strip away parts of our self-image that are not authentically our own, to bring clarity to our relationships and determine how strongly the deceased has influenced us. As we do this, we begin to reclaim our lives."
From Mourning & Mitzvah by Anne Brener
I like that quote, too. I've found that my grief has stripped away some attitudes and reinforced others, and it's certainly true that a lot of my relationships have recently been clarified.
ReplyDeleteI know some of us have been asked if we're going to "let" the deaths of our babies define us--and I think some babylost parents ask themselves that question as well. For me, the answer is yes. Every event in my life has contributed to the person I am today, and having, losing, and loving Molly is the most significant. There is no way that it could be otherwise.
You have intrigued me with the quote....Would you recommend the book? xo
I like this quote as well. Thank you for sharing it Suzanne.
ReplyDeleteLosing Liam has changed everything in my life. It's changed me as a person and my views on life. And it's true that his death has put light on my relationships. I think of the friendships and family members i've lost during these past 9 1/2 months and I guess i'm not that surprised that they wouldn't be there in my grief. And then there are others who continue to support me and stand by me and those relationships are more meaningful and intimate than ever before.
I'm also curious about this book. I will have to look it up.
xx
Isn't that the truth of it? It's a bear rediscovering our authentic selves...the price is too high, but if we have no choice we purge out our lives like a seasonal/life cleaning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Renel - the price was too high. I'd rather have him here.
ReplyDelete