What This Week Reminded Me About Love, Grief, and Grace 

This week was a little different for me. On Tuesday, what would have been mine and Tony's 26th wedding anniversary arrived. 

Twenty-six years.

Even writing those words feels surreal.

Like many couples, we talked about growing older together. We had plans, dreams, and things we still wanted to do. While I am incredibly grateful for the years we shared, anniversaries have a way of reminding you of both the love and the loss.

As the day approached, I found myself slowing down. Not because I wanted to. Because I needed to, and that led me to think about something many people don't talk about enough: grief doesn't only happen immediately after a loss. Sometimes grief shows up months later. Years later. On anniversaries. During holidays. When you hear a song. When you see a photo or when you accomplish something and instinctively want to tell the person who isn't here.

Three Things Grief Has Taught Me

1. Grief Has No Timeline

One of the biggest misconceptions about grief is that there is a point where you should be "over it." The truth is, love doesn't work that way. You may learn how to live with the loss, but missing someone isn't something you schedule an end date for.

Everyone's journey looks different.

2. Self-Care Looks Different During Grief

Before loss, self-care may have looked like treating yourself, taking a vacation, or enjoying a hobby.

During grief, self-care can be much simpler.

Sometimes self-care is:

• Getting out of bed
• Taking a shower
• Eating a meal
• Going for a walk
• Taking a break from social media
• Giving yourself permission to cry

Small things matter.

3. Healing and Missing Someone Can Exist Together

This lesson took me a while to understand. You can laugh and still grieve. You can have good days and still miss them. You can move forward without leaving them behind. Healing doesn't erase love. It teaches you how to carry it differently.

Give Yourself Grace

This week reminded me that grace is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Life will have heavy seasons. There will be dates that bring back memories. There will be moments when you feel strong and moments when you don't.

Both are okay.

So if you're walking through grief right now, I want to encourage you to give yourself grace. 

Slow down when you need to. Ask for help when you need it. Rest when you need it. And remember that healing is not about forgetting.

Love remains.