Grief is something I’ve become all too familiar with this year. I’m tired. I’m sad. A lot.
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My dad, my grams, my cousin, my aunt, and one of my students… each one left an imprint on me. Each one taught me something in their life, and in their death. Each one left this earth, this year.
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This week Micah and I had to face the reality that death and grief is not done with us.
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We are going to have to make decisions in the next month with two of our beloved dogs Eddie (13 yrs) and Otis (11 yrs) who are both declining quickly.
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The past few days I’ve been crying, trying to brainstorm how to make them better, how maybe we have more time.
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But we don’t. Their bodies and their minds are slowing. Their days are spent sleeping. They are preparing to leave us.
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Thankful my god reminded me today, we have a choice.
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Today, I choose joy.
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Joy that as of today, they are still with me.
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Joy that they both have been great companions, they’ve lived good and long lives.
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Joy that they’ll be joining my dad in heaven (because yes, I believe animals go there too) without pain and without suffering.
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For today, I am going to focus on joy.
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Because I have a choice.
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And my friend, so do you.
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Whatever life is throwing at you, you have a choice in how to respond.
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There are times for all the feelings….
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But today, in this moment, what will you choose?
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I pray it’s peace, love, selflessness, kindness, forgiveness,
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and joy.
