Grief finds its own way sometimes. As I find myself at the one year anniversary of losing my beloved horse Dallas, the day culminated with several other losses and calamities that left me feeling DONE for the day. This episode takes you through the reality of what happens when the universe decides to "pile it all on" during an already difficult day. I should have just stayed home!
What began as a simple commemoration quickly snowballed into a week of collective sadness—friends losing jobs, a brother-in-law putting his dog down on his birthday, and even a chance encounter with a grieving widow that left us both in tears. Sometimes the kindest gestures (like unexpected flowers from a new friend) can unleash the emotions we're trying so hard to contain.
When even my attempt at comfort-movie escapism was thwarted by a power outage, I found myself where I often do during life's hardest moments: in my garden. Despite the weeds thriving after recent rains, this "last bastion of hope" provided the healing space I needed. I share the small victory of finally adding a fountain to my backyard sanctuary—proof that even on our darkest days, we can create pockets of beauty and peace.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this vulnerable episode is permission to honor your melancholy days. As I discover again and again, sometimes you need to respect your grief before you can move beyond it. While I promise to return with more uplifting content next week, I hope this raw conversation reminds you that it's perfectly okay not to be your "usual joyful self" when navigating life's difficult anniversaries and unexpected emotional storms.
Follow the Only Child Diaries podcast and join me next week as we continue exploring the art of adulting with humor and light—even when we need to acknowledge the shadows first.
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