The Visitor that Never Leaves

There are still times I want to pick up the phone and tell her
about what just happened or get some “best friend” advice. Then I remember, she’s
not there. Even though it has been over a year ago that I said my last good bye, in
some ways it feels like it has only been days, and not months, that have passed. Yet
I do find myself engaging in a more ‘normal’ routine. There are times I laugh, but
there are also times I still cry. And that’s okay. I am evolving into my ‘new normal’ as
many people said I would. Of course, some days are more difficult than others. Grief
doesn’t ever leave completely. But it seems like life has a somewhat mysterious way
of leveling it out.

I’ve grown to appreciate and understand this quote from Jamie Anderson:
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but
cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, in the
lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love
with no place to go.”

I’ve realized my grief is based in the love I still have for my beautiful friend who
has passed from this life. That love doesn’t go away just because they are no
longer here for me to see and talk to. No, that love is still here. But instead of
offering that love in the form of a hug or a conversation, I now cherish that
love in the form of memories. Memories that I can hold on to for the rest of
my life. Yes, instead of embracing my friend physically, I now embrace and hold
close the many memories I have of her. That is something that cannot be taken
away from me.
Cherished memories can be become a great source of motivation if we allow
them to be. You may have heard of a very old 1940’s movie called Knute
Rockne: All American. It was based on a true story about a 1920’s Notre Dame
football team, and starred Ronald Reagan, who played a leader on the team,
George Gipp. In the movie, Gipp became very ill. When he was dying, he
uttered these words to his coach, Knute Rockne. “Rock,” he said, “sometime
when the team is up against it and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to
go out there with all they’ve got and win just one for the Gipper.” Coach Rockne
saved that story until halftime of Notre Dame’s 1928 game against Army when
they were being soundly defeated. After telling that story to the team, they
rallied in the second half to beat Army and give Notre Dame the victory.
Love for individuals who have inspired us in the past can be the catalyst for us to
continue to live a full life in the future. Your loved one can be the “Gipper” in your
life. It may be time for you to go out there and “win one for your ‘Gipper.’”

L ove for individuals who have inspired us in

the past can be the catalyst for us to continue
to live a full life in the future.

Your loved one certainly would have wanted the best for your life. Use that
knowledge to be the best you can possibly be and do the best you can possibly do.
Life is about choices and happiness is a choice. Yes, it’s okay for you to choose to be
happy. It’s okay for you to live a full life and to enjoy your life. Your loved one would
be pleased to see you smile. You aren’t leaving them behind. No, rather you are
allowing the relationship and love you had for that
person to be the catalyst for you to live your best
life going forward. Be encouraged today and go out
there and “win one for your Gipper.”

This will be the last mailing you will

receive, but if you are still struggling
with managing your grief, please call
us at (269) 441-9300.
 Non-Profit
Organization
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Kalamazoo, MI
49007

200 West Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017

www.SeniorCarePartnersMI.org • 269-441-9300

Mr. John Anybody

1234 Main Street
Battle Creek, MI 49017