Final Stage of Grieving

Portrait of My Niece

11 X 14

This is a portrait of my niece that I did last summer.  She is a beautiful girl - like her mother.

Stage VII of the Grieving Process is the final stage.  I think that the website Recover From Grief says it best.

"During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living."

I am finally at this stage of grief over the death of my son Gabriel.  It has been a long hard and rocky road; six long years.  I am not the same person I was before I began this journey.  I think I am a little more subdued, a little more thoughtful, a little more at peace with myself and those around me.  I think I handle stress a little better.  

 Hopefully I am a better person.

Have a great day.

Karla