A few things I’ve learned over the past 14 months:

1. Healing is not a destination-I will not wake up one day and be healed.

2. Grief is my teacher.

3. In order to heal, I must actively mourn. Each day I mourn. Yesterday I mourned that I did not have my life partner here physically to help with a decision about a home repair. It is difficult to make these decisions alive when you’ve spent your adult life making them with someone. After journaling, I felt better and grateful that I am capable of making these decisions.

4. Even while mourning, I have a heart filled with joy and gratitude.

5. Death does not end the relationship.