#fridayfacts. loss is not pretty or cheerful.

 So often nowadays I’m told that as we reflect on the loss, it should primarily be about celebrating what we had. Of course, it’s wonderful to think of special memories past and have them gladden our hearts, but it can go too far when we are urged not to be sad, upset, mournful, and to somehow bury our grief along with the job, or our relationship or loved one.

Because sadness, mourning and lament can make others feel awkward, we find ourselves adopting at least a façade of cheerfulness. Granted we don’t want to be overwhelmed by grief day in day out, but let’s not gloss over the fact that we no longer have what, or who we had.

Job loss. Loss of health. Death of a loved one. Relationship breakdowns. Nothing can make that loss pretty or cheerful.