I was recently asked by one who is supporting another who has recently lost a spouse, "How can I be there for her?" I rummaged through my early journal entries and came across this and shared it with her.
I lingered with my words after, wondering how much of it is still true for me, only to realize that it is timeless.
There are still moments when ..
I need space,
... where there are no "you'll get through this", "don't worry, it will get better" or "you've come so far, you are so strong."
I need space and a simple acknowledgement,
... through a nodding head, through a long stare at clasped hands, through shared tears.
I need space, acknowledgement and silence
... when I cry out, I miss him, I am angry or I crave his touch.
I need space, where no responses are necessary,
.... just a nodding head from someone who understands my actions,
.... just a nodding head from someone who understands my tears,
.... just a nodding head from someone who understands my confusion,
.... just a nodding head from someone who understands my statements, and
.... just a nodding head from someone who lives with this pain.
As I approach our 26th Wedding Anniversary, there are moments and sometimes days where I still need space, acknowledgement and silence, as in no responses are necessary.
I sure know just what you mean about this; sometimes all I want is to be left alone.
ReplyDeleteHmmm ... it is more about "no responses necessary" than being left alone. :)
ReplyDelete