Today is the 20th anniversary of my child’s death, and I feel a little heavy hearted. Iwill however continue with my exploration of grief and will tell you all about our tragedy in due course. What I want to say today is that it is important to allow our feelings, not to stifle them to ease the pain. They will out at some stage. See these feelings as your friends. perhaps you would like to read the following poem by Rumi, an Afghan poet of the Middle Ages:
The Guest House
This being human is a guesthouse.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.
Still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
For some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing
And invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.
(Jalalludin Rumi- Afghan poet) (1207)
Tags: death of a child, grief