You Are Allowed to Grieve

You are allowed to grieve whatever it is you’re grieving right now.

So much has been left behind lately as we’ve collectively entered a new season we didn’t see coming.

One of change. Uncertainty. Struggle. One of feeling stuck in bizarre and confusing circumstances.

But even through we are all slogging through this hard season, the scenery looks different for each of us.

And we are grieving in different ways.

For some, it’s grief over the loss of life. Breath. Presence on this earth. The ability to call a loved one who’s no longer here.

For others, it’s innocence and a sense of safety that have caused grief.

Maybe it’s the loss of intimacy, fellowship, or community in an age where distance and isolation have become a part of everyday life.

For some, it’s the loss of togetherness as loved ones work around the clock, fulfilling essential job duties.

Or maybe it’s the loss of space as families are hunkered down in close quarters, tensions running high.

Healthcare workers are grieving the ability to do their jobs efficiently and effectively due to medical supply shortages. They are grieving the loss of patients. They are grieving the loss of their own well-being as they give everything they have to others.

Many are grieving the loss of jobs, or at the very least job security.

Some are grieving the ability to have their loved ones by their side as a birth—or a death—approaches. And others are grieving the ability to be with their loved ones when they feel most needed.

There are parents who are grieving the ability to focus on job duties because they are now homeschooling their kids.

There are kids who are grieving structure or the encouragement of that special teacher.

There are teachers who are grieving full classrooms and interaction with students.

There are students whose rites of passage have been cancelled, their noteworthy accomplishments seemingly disregarded.

There are athletes who have worked hard only to have games and competitions cancelled.

Kids are missing birthdays parties.

Couples are cancelling weddings.

Fathers aren’t able to witness their children being born.

Mothers feel alone.

Grandparents can no longer visit with children or grandchildren.

Once in a lifetime opportunities have been called off.

And this is all just a fraction of the grief swirling around us.

So many people are barely hanging on, when just a few weeks ago, all was well.

Nothing seems normal anymore. And it’s causing each of us to grieve in one way or another.

Parts of this pandemic have been absolutely devastating.

Parts of it have been incredibly disappointing.

But even though it looks different for all of us, you are allowed to grieve.

Go ahead, let yourself feel it.

But hang onto the hope that it’s not going to be like this forever.