Loving Through Loss: Day 30

BLOG SHARES

photo from At Home With Natalie

You might remember I mentioned Natalie earlier this week when I highlighted her children's book "Mommy Has An Angel", but today I wanted to share her blog with those who need encouragement after losing a loved one.

Natalie lost her best friend several years ago to domestic violence and now speaks out on this topic in hopes that it may save someone else's life. Like others I have highlighted, I appreciate Natalie's honest approach to the topic. It's hard to speak out against something that can be hidden behind the walls of a home. I encourage you to read her story & share with those who may need it.

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Loving Through Loss: Day 29

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

photo taken by Sam Grable

It's clear that everyone processes loss differently. For some, they may suppress their feelings to stay strong for others, while someone else may just need to share all their feelings all the time. But one thing I want everyone to know --- don't over worry about bringing it up!

For me, one of my biggest fears was everyone forgetting our baby girl because she would no longer be here physically. So my natural instinct was to want to talk about her all.the.time. However, people's reactions made me hold back. Then something changed... I stopped over worrying about what people would say and just let myself talk about her. And you know what? Friends & family started talking about her more too, which I loved. Although everyone is different when it comes to their feelings, I still believe that trying to talk about someone who has just passed away is worth it. They may not want to talk about it right then, but at least you let them know you were thinking of them.

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Loving Through Loss: Day 28

RESOURCES

This week, I wanted to share a few books that have helped me process through our loss, besides the other resources I've already highlighted this month.

Beautiful Battlefields by Bo Stern // Shortly after saying goodbye to Charlotte, a friend mailed me the devotional to this book (thanks Karlee!) and then I found myself purchasing the book almost immediately thereafter because I loved the way Bo approached the hard question, "Where is God in the midst of this?" and found comfort in her answers.

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith // This is another book that was given to me and one I couldn't put down. When I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading every feeling & emotion that I went through as we were informed of Charlotte's diagnosis, our decision to not terminate, and when we met her & said good bye all too soon. Yes, this is about the loss of a child, but Angie's faith throughout the book gives a sense of peace in a season of grief.

Mommy Has An Angel by Natalie Lesnefsky // I've been reading Natalie's blog for years, so when I saw her first mention this children's book she was writing after losing her best friend to domestic violence, I couldn't wait to read it. Now, with Calvin starting to become more interested in books, I find comfort in reading him this story, which Natalie wrote from her daughters' point of view. This is a tearjerker for sure!

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