I was weary of the social media platform, TikTok, but now I hope the United States does not lose access to it. I have found a sense of community through it.
I do not consider myself an influencer. I have a very small account as I do here, but some of what I share reaches some people. It is enough to know the messages touches someone’s heart, or motivates them to perhaps garden.
I hope to continue to serve as a voice for those who grieve, and those who are gone.
No one should ever have to bury their child, but for the people who must walk this darkest of paths; these bereaved parents should not be left in the dark by society.”
I have learned more lessons than I can count in the four-and-a-half-years since Corrie met her sunset on May 27, 2020; but they are not the lessons society would seek to teach me such as:
You have shown your grief too much time to tuck it back in.
Be careful: you might cause trauma to another.
You talk too much about your daughter.
Not all of these were said to me or about me. Some were said to other bereaved parents. At least one was said about me behind my back.
Here are 5 of the lessons I have learned:
- Trust in others should have been limited before the loss of my child, but when my judgement is lost because I am wandering in the immediate aftermath, I must let go of those who leave at the first fall of snowflakes.
- I must live, not just survive, in order to raise my son successfully to become a young man.
- There are community-minded organizations when you feel ready for support, such as Compassionate Friends and Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood.
- If you are married, support each other in your partner’s boundaries. For example, if your spouse does not wish to recall memories right then, it is okay. We all grieve in different ways.
- Perhaps most important of all is find a hobby that will connect you to the spirt of your child.
Corrie's Season 