Grief has been a part of my life since I was a very small child. I lost my father at a very early age, I never knew my mother's parents, barely knew my paternal grandfather before he passed away and so many others. There is also the grief and pain that comes not only from physical death or dying but of the hurts and heartaches of everyday life. I doubt that I am unique, I'm sure I've lost less than many people, including my mother who was orphaned by age 7.

For many years I thought I had to be sad forever over sad occurrences in my life. I bore loss deeply and tended to stay lost in it, as if that would change anything, as if any of those who were missing from my life would have wanted me to do so. I was just an old soul who felt things very deeply. Now that I'm old, my soul is more child-like and I find joy in nearly everything in my life, even in sorrow.

I know now that I can remember the good and still honor the memory of all that's been lost. I can feel pain until it isn't there anymore and replace it with gladness that whatever is missing was there for me at all. I am grateful that the world has been so patient with me. I am grateful for so many things, so many experiences, so many people that have filled my life to this point. It is with that viewpoint that I find great appreciation for the following words:

“What's lost is nothing to what's found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”― Frederick Buechner