Yesterday was the seven-year anniversary of my father’s death.
In December of this past year, my mother passed away.
And then, earlier this spring, two of my fellow Tech coworkers also passed.
In other words – it’s been a bit of a hard time.
I would like to add here, “But I’m looking on the bright side!” or “But I know things will get better!” but y’all, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes it’s a bad day and I congratulate myself on going to work and being a decent human being. And then there are those days where I am bitter, picturing the wonderful grandparents my parents would be – and were – to my kids and what we lost due to death and sickness.
I don’t know if it’s just me or maybe you’re experiencing this too, but it seems like this year has hit harder in terms of tragedy. Two of my students – less than a month apart – lost a parent. One of them had a beloved pet die right before a huge presentation in my class. The two Tech coworkers we at the university lost – it was a loss. It was felt throughout the campus community.
We all are carrying struggles, burdens, grief, troubles. I joke with my students that I’m running toward summer like my feet are on fire, but the truth is, I just need a break. They need a break. Heck, we all need a break. And often, especially if you don’t work in school, breaks are hard to find.
Whether you’re grieving or know someone who is, I think one of the most important things to remember is this: you’re not alone.
You’re not alone.
If you’ve lost a loved one, you’re not alone. If you are dealing with a crisis, you are not alone. If you are struggling and worrying and full of anxiety, you’re not alone.
We’re all trying to do the best we can with the time we have on this Earth. Some of us seem to have it together better than others, but I promise you that everyone struggles. Every single person. Don’t look at the shiny, pretty photos on Instagram. Don’t check out the new house or the new car. We’re all struggling – together.
It’s not a “misery loves company” thing either. No one wants to struggle. No one wants to be unhappy. But oftentimes, it’s nice to remember that we’re not alone.
You’re not alone.
