10/12/2021
I had something happen in my life recently that broke me for a little while, and while talking about it to someone really close to me they said something about me that really made me think. She said you are so strong, you have endured more than i every could, I don’t know how you do it.
I, knowing my strength doesn’t come from me, gave all glory to God and expressed my thankfulness for the support system He has placed in my life.
But what she really said stuck with me. I look at her life and could say the same thing, because my life could have looked very similar had things gone differently 4 years ago. Then a day later I saw this photo on Facebook and what I had totally described how I feel. “People tell me I am strong. But I am so, so tired”.
It is exhausting being strong, it is exhausting putting in a brave face. But who really wants to see what a grieving mother looks like behind the makeup, or behind closed doors, or behind the walls she’s put up so that she can continue living life. Who really wants to be there for her tears, for her hopeless days, for the days she doesn’t have the drive to do anything, and for the days she needs you to do something with her so she can feel normal again.
I have been blessed with some incredible friends, who have been there for me on those days, and all the days in between. The friends who let me cry, remind me where my hope comes from, sit with me when that’s all I can do, or take me out of the house when I need it. Those women share their strength with me when I don’t have any of my own, and I give God all the glory for that!
But know, it is not easy, and it is exhausting.
So remember your friends today who have lost a child in whatever fashion it comes in, and say a prayer for them, and even go a step further and ask them how you can help them!