The Whispers of Absence

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     Grief can be likened to an elusive invisible friend, whose presence manifests unpredictability, disrupting your sense of stability. The friend doesn't announce its arrival, nor does it adhere to a schedule; instead it appears without warning, casting a shadow over moments that seemed ordinary. Its impacts are profound., shaking the very foundations of your emotional world and challenging your ability to maintain normalcy. 

     When this inconspicuous companion arrives, it brings with it a whirlwind of emotions; sorrow, anger, confusion and even numbness. 

     It transforms familiar landscapes of daily life into places of melancholy, where joy and routine feel distant. The erraticism of its visits means you might find yourself abruptly overwhelmed, struggling to regain composure as you navigate the waves of intense feelings it triggers. 

     This alter ego often operates in the background, subtly influencing your thoughts and actions, even when not visibly present. It colors your perceptions and interactions, making it difficult to escape its presence, even in the midst of seemingly unrelated activities. 

     The sporadic nature of its visits means that just when you begin to feel a semblance of control or normalcy, it can reappear, reminding you of the unresolved depths of your loss. 

     In essence, grief as an invisible friend is a complex, intrusive force that makes you grapple with your emotional reality. It shapes your world in ways that are deep rooted and disorientating, leaving you to find a new equilibrium amidst its problematic visits.


    Written by Janine Reid

    In honor of the late Scott "HB" Hagen. I love and miss you oxoxo



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