E7: I’m sick of fighting grief
After the death of his dog, a letter-writer struggles under the heavy weight of grief.
Listen to This Episode:
Dear Grief Guide,
A few months ago, I said goodbye to my beloved dog, Bo. People who don’t understand pet loss say, “He was just a dog!” but he was so much more than that. I adopted him after I got sober and through the years he was my confidant, my exercise buddy, and the one who could brighten my darkest of days.
When my father died after a long battle with cancer, taking Bo to the dog park was the only thing that got me out of the house and kept me going. His death, even though I knew it was coming, has flattened me.
Every day feels like a battle. It's as if I'm carrying this heavy weight on my shoulders, and no matter how hard I try, the burden doesn't lighten. My energy is consumed by the struggle to fend off the pain of loss. It's exhausting, and I long for a moment of relief. I don’t want to forget my dog, but I'm so sick of fighting grief.
I find myself replaying memories of Bo, from the way he’d run to the kitchen every time I opened a jar of peanut butter to the warmth of his presence at the foot of the bed. But these moments, though precious, are tainted by the knowledge that he's no longer here. I miss him deeply, and the pain seems to grow instead of diminish with time.
I've tried various coping mechanisms, from journaling to seeking support from friends, but the weight of grief persists. I'm beginning to wonder if there's a way to coexist with this pain rather than constantly battling against it. How do I get out from under the heavy weight of grief?
Sincerely,
Crushed by Grief
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