“The ultimate in joy now points to sadness.”

Something that lasts is rare. When it is a love that lasts for decades it is something beyond special.

Now that special relationship stands as not only a testament to something extraordinary - but also as a bitter reminder of what has been lost.

In today’s episode - originally released as Facing Grief the Podcast episode 6 on September 16, 2020 - we will learn more about this paradox.

From the essays Volume 7, “Bridges” - Day 191 of the journey - This is essay #3 - “First Love:”

“We never see it coming”

Throughout our lives we can look back to periods where living just seemed like it would go on in the same pattern we were used to. When circumstances would change those patterns it would be disorienting - frustrating - and there we were - struggling to cope with how what seemed like it would go on forever would now end.

In today’s episode - originally released as Facing Grief the Podcast episode 22 on January 6, 2021 - we will learn how our lives are but a series of timeless moments - and how that understanding will help us in our state of grief.

From the essays Volume 7 - “Bridges” - written on day 190 of the journey - This is essay #2 - “Timeless”

“They just hide what is behind them”

What is behind the window? In grief that window is more than just a way to view the outside world - it is a barrier. It separates us from those we left behind when we entered the state of grief.

In today’s episode, we present the introduction to Volume 7 "Bridges" and the first essay - written on February 16, 2020 - day 188 of the journey - essay #1 - “Window Dressing”

This final Special Edition is the unimaginable juncture of the state of grief and the promise of a new life. Unthinkable on so many levels - yet as it has appeared - stunning in its reality.

From November 29, 2020 - this is the blog that leaves us at the threshold of a new life.

Next week we will begin presenting Volume 7 of the Facing Grief Essays. Each of the essays unfolding as the journey occurred. Each essay narrated by the author.

Thank you for your prayers, comments - it is always our prayer that you find comfort in what has been written.

This Special Edition is special indeed. For this episode tells the story of how so much of what grief had inflicted was met with tremendous changes. Changes which the author could have never foreseen.

From November 3, 2020, this post-essay blog tells that incredible story. As the blog post states, “..to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of [tears of] grief…”.

As the Facing Grief podcast winds down - these special editions are a fitting ending to something that - in this life - will never end, but does give way for new life.

As always, your continued interest is a blessing!

This Special Edition builds upon Episode 19 - "Lessons from the Clothes". Please listen to that episode to receive the full impact of this message.

In grief we face continual changes - this post-essay blog from August 30, 2020 explains what some of those continual changes represent.

As the Facing Grief podcast winds down - these special editions are a fitting ending to something that - in this life - will never end, but does give way for new life.

Your continued interest is a blessing!

This special edition is a blog post that sums up just some of the emotions of the journey.

From July 12, 2020 - this is "Remnants of the Precious".

May what you hear bless you in your grief journey.

Today we focus on a very special essay. The essay which marked the 166th writing that had taken place over eleven months. As in any transition - it marked crossing a threshold into a new reality - for the author - a threshold into the unknown.

Share with us - this special moment.

From Volume 8 “Lessons” - written the week of July 15 to July 19, 2020 - Days 338 to 342 - this is essay #18 - Lessons from the Essays”

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The Facing Grief web site contains each of the eight volumes of essays. There is additional content available on the site as well complete narrations of each of the essays in volumes 7 and 8. This labor of love is freely offered to help you on your grief journey.

As we inevitably reach a season of “completeness” - that season brings with it an interesting reality. The reality of letting go. It is a dreaded cliche yet something that we al will face at some point.

In today’s episode, we will learn of the author’s watershed moment.

From Volume 8 "Lessons" - Day 286 - This is essay #14 - “Lessons of Letting Go”

Can a commitment last for decades? It can if that commitment has one supremely important element.

In todays episode, the author shares one of the most intimate moments of his amazing relationship - and how that moment became an incredible tribute to the love he shared.

From Volume 3 “Transitions” - Day 90 - This is essay #20 - “The Decision”