Meditation Moment on Grief and Loss

I am grateful for his clear eyes and steady hands, his ability to work, his sense of humor. I can’t say there are whole days when I don’t worry, but there are hours. I also grieve. I grieve for the years overwhelmed by his addiction, years when I was lost to my family, my writing, my self. I grieve for the loss of my optimism, the enthusiasm I used to feel that is now so hard to reclaim. I grieve for the relationship I used to have with Seth, the relationship I might have had with him now, one of openness and trust. I do not know how long it will take to rebuild that intimacy, or if that is still possible. I remember thinking when Seth was born that I would give my life to save his. Now I know that if he slips, there is nothing I can do.

Wendy Mnookin, “My Son, the Junkie”

Take some time to grieve for what you have lost or fear losing. Ask God for the Balm of Gilead.