When your person dies, but you’re still Here

They died. They died!

Your mind will whisper it, scream it, remind you of it in the middle of a perfectly good moment. Unbidden, it will arise and punch you in the gut. They died. 

But I didn’t, you have to say back, sometimes. 

I’m alive. 

I’m still here. They died. But I’m alive.

That separation is so painful. You are in different places. For now.

And for now, the place you’re in involves living. Being alive.

Being present for beauty. And laughter. And sunshine. And connection. 

Flowers. Dogs. Music. Food. 

Your loved one wants you to be as fully alive as you can be in any given moment.

They wish they were here with you.

But you don’t serve them by constantly trudging back into the harsh reality that they aren’t.

Be alive today. You are. It’s a gift. Live it.