Wow, tough theme.
I knew the exact photo immediately, but I keep this particular one hidden from myself, so I had to search through my files. It’s been almost four years and I still grieve a little every day.
They went from this…
to this
And this is the last photo of them as a family…
sigh…….
PS In case it would be of support to anyone reading this, here is what we use in therapy to help folks walk thorough Endings, in the healthiest way possible. Handy to use for closure in any and all Endings, big or small…job, moving, school, relationships, pets, favorite restaurant closing, new phone, etc.
Endings
Resistance
This is worth exploring and expressing in all its forms…denial, wishful thinking, false hopes, etc.
Resentment
It takes some practice but being able to express a truly personalized resentment, without any finger pointing or blame toward another, is a valuable, life-long skill
Regret
It’s important to acknowledge the things you wish you could have done differently
Reminiscence
Remembering the good times is the natural pathway to the 3 stages below. It is why we tell funny stories at funerals.
Release and Relief
There is always a whoosh of peace after wading through the painful parts of grieving an ending
Rejoice
Now true gratitude can happen, for the whole experience, even the hard lessons that usually come from an ending.
Re-Union
To be able to re-unite after an ending, even if just in your mind, without a bunch of leftover baggage, is really and truly possible.
These are the natural stages of all endings.
In order to have healthy beginnings, with no leftovers lingering to muddy the new waters, these phases must be experienced and honored…
not necessarily in this order, but finishing the first four
makes the last three much more accessible.
Very good post.
Oh my. Yes, a very tough theme. Such sadness in this ending. Your photos are precious.
Thank you for sharing these and for the list of stages.
You’re welcome. I was hoping it was ok to share that list. And that one picture still gets to me…
Wow! The impact of images. Heartwrenching.
Poignant capture seeing them all from the back, walking together, but walking away from that life together. Thanks for sharing the stages of ending. One door closes, another opens…. <3