They always come in 3s
My beloved 17 year old cat passed away last June. My only brother died in November. Most recently a dear friend of mine passed on Mother's Day of this year. These are the first significant deaths I've ever dealt with in my life - ones that have and continue to hit me hard in different ways, not deaths like a distant second cousin whom you only ever saw at family get togethers. No, these were significant figures in my life that in part defined aspects of my own identity. I'm not just grieving them. I'm grieving how my life has changed in their absence. It's weird to now all of a sudden be an only child. It's weird to now all of a sudden no longer have my furry companion of almost 2 decades who took care of me just as I cared for him. It's weird to know my sassy friend will no longer call me each year on my birthday nor make plans for the next time she's in town. I'm sad. I'm exhausted. I don't have interest nor motivation in doing much of anything. I'm processing. Family dynamics have changed. Daily routines have changed. My life is not what it was when these individuals were in it. I made the silly error of trying to work steadily through all three losses - thinking if my mind kept busy, I would be able to get through it. Yes, I was distracted and seemingly doing "okay" but then it hit me like a ton of bricks. You can't push grief down below the surface. I've learned it will always bubble back up until you've faced it head on.
@rockrgrl
I am truly sorry for your losses. I hope you can feel the love and support all around you. How are you doing today?
As we know there is no right way to grieve and there is no magic word or words that can take this pain that you are feeling away instantly, though I wish there was. I have searched and thought about this for many years. I thought losing my sister when I was younger would give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say to help someone else, so I could lift some of their pain, and there just... isn't. All I have learned is that just knowing people are here for you, support you, and care about you is the way to help and that in time, you will be able to navigate these feelings in a different way where they won't hurt so much... everyone is different and everyone needs to do what they need when they need it. Thank you for stopping by and sharing some of your story and what you are going through. I am sending so many good vibes your way right now.
Just in case there ever comes a time where this additional information may be of interest, I just wanted to make sure you know it's out here: https://www.7cups.com/grief/ if you didn't already know or come across it already.
Take care
Thank you. I appreciate your kindness :)
@rockrgrl You're welcome 
How has your Friday been going for you?
Having a not so great day at work. My boss is demanding I provide her with 6 months worth of data by the end of the day. I only received the request now. A bit unreasonable don't you think?
@rockrgrl hey there, sorry to hear that your day started out a bit stressful it sounds like. Sometimes I wonder if things like this are asked for by people like you because you are so capable, they know you are a hard working, and they are in a pinch? I know that doesn't make it any easier, and I understand your feelings on this and those feelings are valid. I hope your day gets better.
Thank you. I appreciate that. My boss is actually a bully who likes to pick on me. While simultaneously saying we should never work overtime she makes demanding requests that are impossible to fulfill within one's regular hours - no matter how efficient one is... ugh.
@rockrgrl
Hey there, I can understand why you feel frustrated. Have you seen any improvement with this, this week? How has your week been going?
Hey, thanks for sharing. I'm really sorry for your losses. You are strong, my friend. No, you can't push grief down. You have to let it pass. You have to give it time so you can heal. I know it's much easier said than done. Please don't hesitate to message us listeners here, if you ever feel alone. You are heard and seen. Please feel free to watch this short encouraging video as well: https://youtube.com/shorts/QrNXAIAWzys?feature=share