I spoke to a friend today about a recent loss she experienced. It was the death of a loved one who meant the world to her.
The devastation and pain in her voice was apparent. And at the same time, she seemed embarrassed to be revealing her humanity – that part of her that if left unattended would weep like a baby.
“Who taught you that you need to be so strong all the time?’ I asked.
She giggled through tears and shared the Cliff Notes version of her life story. It’s not her story that matters here (as I don’t think she’d like it shared)…you can place your own in its place if you’d like.
What does matter is the fact that so many of us stifle our tears, and we hold in what so needs to come out. We see the expression of our emotions as weakness — when really it is our ultimate strength. Our truest ally.
As you read, maybe you are the person who needs to let it all out.
Or possibly–you are the one who needs to play the role of listener.
However it works out, let’s try to be real and authentic — even if this means we weep like babies or laugh like hyenas.
“Don’t be ashamed to weep; ’tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us.” – Brian Jacques, Author