How To Grieve A Living Person

One of the biggest struggles I faced this year was saying goodbye to a person who wasn't going away forever. A person I could easily run into in the supermarket or the local library. But he just wasn't the same guy I knew years ago. It was like looking at someone you've known your whole life but not seeing them there. That familiarity and comfort you once saw in their eyes have turned into enmity and coldness.

Whether that person is a significant other, a friend, or a family member, it doesn't matter. You need to move on. Those are the words we're used to hearing right? But what comes after those? Not a step-by-step guide on how to overcome losing "your person" and not a pill to numb the hurt. Nothing. You're on this on your own.

Except for you're not. I've experienced this situation. I've felt what you felt. Heck, I feel what you feel. To say I'm completely over it is a lie. But the difference is I've stopped missing the person, instead, I miss the memories. I appreciate them. But I also look forward to making newer, better ones. With a better person.

I'm not saying they were a bad person. Everyone's a villain in someone else's story. But I do believe there's always better. There is a famous Arabic saying; "كل تأخيرة و فيها خيرة" which directly translates to "Every delay has a goodness" (except it sounds a lot better and cooler in Arabic because it rhymes). But it is true, the longer it takes to find that person, the longer it takes to complete your degree etc.. it always is worth it in the end. And you would not change it for the world. Trust in the bigger plan.

If they're not the same person they once were, odds are you're so much better off without them. Especially if they've been hurting you.

It hurts and it sucks. But time heals. Just hang on. Cry, scream, and/or laugh if you want to. But hold on. Keep going.

Sorry you had to go through this, but it is a building experience. I am also always here to talk, listen, or cry. I love crying. It's my hobby. Aside from reading romance books that continually raise my already unrealistically high expectations, but that’s a topic for another day.

(This article was inspired by yours truly, the unrecognizable person. So there you go, I present to you one of the benefits cutting him off brought me - You)!

What's your story? How are you doing? Email me.