August - Everything Changes!

August, the last full month of summer, represents steamy temperatures, family vacations before back-to-school season kicks into high gear and lush gardens ripe for the picking. At least, that's what the historians say. I'm remembering August for the same things, but more, like those dog days of summer heat and unbearable humidity, the dread of school starting again and the loss of those days to enjoy the fun summer activities like swimming at the neighborhood pool, playing in the park and waiting for the ice cream trucks to hit our street!.

All in all, I did look forward to September too, because August is the preview of Fall. August is the time when nature starts to turn it's attention toward Fall. Leaves start turning yellow, orange, gold, or red. !n my opinion August introduces Fall. Fall is my favorite season, because I get to watch the live version of God's paintings of a beautiful landscape for us to enjoy before the winter cold and snow replaced it with another one (less beautiful in my opinion). August represents Change!

Change is a good thing! For the 6 years since Mike's passing, I've been constantly dealing with change. I must change if I'm going to continue moving forward, right? My change is obvious in how I look (I am getting older and my body shape is too!) I'm eating healthier foods, I'm exercising, I'm learning how to do minor fix ups around the house that Mike would

do, and I'm learning to get the oil changed, and tires rotated on the car to keep it in good repair.

But, the only thing that hasn't changed is the fact that I miss him every single waking moment of each and every single day! Yes, I still cry for him and I still yearn for him! But, even in my moments of grief, I finally was able to donate all of his clothing, shoes, hats, coats...everything! That was the biggest change this far.

If you find yourself making changes in your life or in yourself in order to move forward towards your new normal without your loved one, would you like to share it on this safe, secure, nonjudgmental community space for healing? We would love to hear from you, and to know if you have any coping skills that may benefit those of us that also may be struggling with our grief.

Thank you, God's blessings and love!