Reaching Out
I recently had a conversation with someone about sharing grief and how I believed my story was relatable. That got me thinking about things we may have in common with others that we may not know about and how talking with others who have gone through similar situations somehow helps with recovering or getting through those most difficult times, a death of a loved one.
Often – most likely – I get a little too personal while writing this column. Not because I am looking for sympathy or enjoy the spotlight. I really do not like either. I do so because I honestly believe letting people know that there are others out there who have gone through or are going through the same situation and maybe – just maybe – something I share might help in some small way.
Before moving to Olney, I was an extreme introvert. Now I am the polar opposite and am enjoying it quite a bit. Maybe it just took the community of Olney to show me that being an extrovert is a good thing.
To the point, or back to the point: during a 5or 6-year period I lost my mom, dad, grandparents (Nana & Papa), sister, niece and nephew. Prior to that when I was younger, I lost a close stepbrother to suicide and another grandmother.
I have written about my mother’s murder and have written about my dad so I won’t go into too much detail. The point – and there is one – (even though you might have thought there would not be one) - is that sharing with a support system helps a great deal. When my Mom was murdered, I honestly believe I would not have made it through that time.
Amanda, my wife of 22 years was there for me to cry on her shoulder, there for me to listen to all my memories of her as I relived them, there for me when I grew angry at the person who killed my mom and wanted to go to Florida with stupid ideas of retribution, and there for me when I finally healed and had a bad day like on Mother’s Day or my mom’s birthday.
Even though I had a troubled relationship with my dad, I had my wife there to work through all the confusing emotions I had over his death. My wife and I have gone separate ways as we grew apart over the years but she is still one of the most important people in my life and a big part of my support system.
Who is in your inner group who you can go to in times of trouble? Everyone needs someone in their life to go to in those dark moments.
The same can be said for numerous problems you go through. You are never alone if you truly don’t want to be during these tough times. Depression, self-doubt, trouble at school or work, and even thoughts of suicide – remember there are groups for everything out there – and with social media it has never been easier to reach out to someone for help or empathy.
This is Will B. saying, reach out to someone if you’re hurting and you just might find someone who can relate. For help anytime please call or text 988 for help, remember tomorrow is another day and we never know what that day holds.