A Norvell Note

July 13, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 26

Grief is Real

As you drive to work, you’re thinking about your to-do list that is waiting for you once you get to the office. It is a pleasant morning. Then you hear a song on your playlist. Not just any song. You hear that song. Your mind goes back to the hospital room, you hear the doctor’s voice, and you are at the graveside. You may be experiencing grief.

You are having a great day. The best day you’ve had in a while. You are thanking the Lord for a good night’s sleep and waking up to a new day. Suddenly, it feels like a dark cloud has completely engulfed you. What is going on? You may be experiencing grief.

It’s another sleepless night. You use every relaxation and meditation technique your therapist has taught you, but nothing works. You get up, get a drink of water, and try to read, but you cannot focus. You lie back down but still can’t sleep. You may be experiencing grief.

You don’t have much of an appetite. Nothing tastes good. Friends bring you food and invite you over for dinner, and you take a few bites, but you have no desire to eat. You may be experiencing grief.

You make a trip to the ocean. The beach has always been a place of peace and consolation. You walk on the beach, then step out into the surf. You stand there enjoying the ocean breeze and feeling the waves lapping against your legs. Seemingly from out of nowhere, a big wave slaps you off your feet and throws you for a loop. Leaving you disheveled and confused. You may be experiencing grief.

If you have experienced a loss – a death, divorce, any loss – the grief is real. You may not see it coming, or recognize it when it hits, but it’s real and you need to let it do what grief must do. You do not need to go through it alone. Help is available. Please take advantage of the grief support resources in your area. If you need help, please seek it and accept. 

I love you.

Tom

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