Yesterday marked the two month anniversary of my mom’s death. Christmas will never look or feel quite the same for me again. Yesterday I shared about our first visit with our grandson and today I am thinking about the circle of life.

When Theo was born in November my mom was starting her decline and eventual transition to heaven. The birth of Theo began a new life just as my mom was winding down 91 years of hers. I had shared with her first that Theo was coming and she promised to keep my secret which I know she did. I so wish she would have been able to have met him but I know that I can tell Theo all about her as the years go by.

Grief is such a weird thing. I must admit to feeling a bit euphoric after spending the weekend with family after so many months. Meeting our first grandchild was absolutely amazing and we are so excited for his future. And then I woke up on Thursday thinking – “It’s the 25th.” And the waves of grief just came crashing over me.

I jotted the above quote down when we were re-watching The Wire this past month. It seemed very appropriate and accurate. Grieving is essential – no matter what the loss – but it is also important to not let it consume you forever. Life goes on and somehow we have to find a way to fit the grief in around all of the other stuff. The other stuff is what is important as well and it is so important to keep that other stuff around.

I decided to embrace the day, experience the grief, but also made time and room to be outside in our wonderful 70 degree weather . It was a wonderful diversion and allowed me the chance to leave room for some of the other stuff. What a gift I received when I was able to center my grief and allow room for all of the other things in my life. God is good. All the time.