grief
Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.
The Day My Heart Broke Forever
I remember the day it all happened, just like it was yesterday. Just days before I got that call, "Jessy your brother is in the hospital." "He is very sick you need to come see him." So I called my dad so he could take me as soon as I got home. We made the long drive to the children's hospital, as we parked I had this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. But I walked towards his room down the longest hallway of my life. Nothing prepared me for the feeling I would have the moment I stepped in that room. There he was, my brother and best friend laying in a bed. He was covered in wires, a breathing mask and so many machines all around him. I completely fell apart the moment I saw him like that. See, my brother was the kind of person who was always smiling and happy. He loved to do whatever he could to make other people laugh and in that moment I didn't see any of that in him. So, after I composed myself I went over to talk to him and for the first time in what felt like years, he smiled at me. Which made me giggle and cry a little again. I spent as long as I could with him that day by his side talking to him, giving him sips of water and laughing at things. Later that night I was in my bed just hoping and wishing that my brother wouldn't be taken from us. I went to school in a fog I was so worried about him, and honestly I'd rather be by his side. By the end of the school day I got another call from my mom saying he was doing better. My heart was so happy that it could've burst from my chest. I spent the rest of that day and night in the happiest mood I had been in a very long time. That happiness spilled over into the next day, I went to school and was ready to tackle the day. The first class of my day went by so fast, so I had moved onto math class. On this particular day, we were taking a test and in the middle our teacher's phone rang. She answered it, we couldn't hear what was said but when she looked at me I knew it was for me. I felt close to this teacher, so she did know about my brother and what was going on. I tried to finish that test but it was very hard. So I just rushed, putting down anything. I got up, walked my test to her desk and that's when she said they need you in the office. She was clearly trying to hide the sadness for me but I could still see it. I gathered up all my stuff to walk to the office and was hoping I wasn't right about why. I stepped around the corner to see my dad standing with the guidance counselor. They were all looking at me with this expression that I can't exactly explain. But I can explain in that moment my heart broke into a thousands pieces and would never be the same again. I didn't know what to do or how to handle that he was gone. We were never gonna play a game together again, never would we laugh or enjoy a horror movie together again. I walked up to my dad and just collapsed, my legs no longer wanted to work. In that moment just wanted to stay were I was. Eventually, my dad drove me home; the school gave me some time off to grieve, not that any amount of time would help with that. To this day I miss him, just the same David Allen Shotts Jr. A.K.A Bubba, will remain my best friend for all time. He was taken way too soon, he was born April 15, 1992 and passed May 8, 2008. He just had his sweet 16 shortly before. He will forever me missed by everyone who ever met him.
By Jessica Keller8 years ago in Families
The Hardest Goodbye
2017 has been a rollercoaster, full of "high on life moments" while also dragging a stick through the mud. My baggage behind me gets heavier and heavier. Burden upon burden is laid and all I can do is stand taller to keep my head above the clouds. However, September 8, 2017 was when my world was turned upside down.
By Chloe Hoover8 years ago in Families
The Effect My Father’s Suicide Had
Let me start by saying this: I lost my father to suicide in 2014. We hadn’t spoken in just over a year when he took his life. I realise now that this may have been partly because of the mental illness he tried hiding from everyone.
By No One’s Daughter8 years ago in Families
It Doesn't Get Easier
Blessings come in many ways. For me, one major blessing is that I was able to have my grandparents in my life into my forties. I know many people can’t say that. They say losing someone that you’re close to gets easier as time passes, but I don’t believe that to be true. Your life just changes. My blessing is having grandparents for as long as I did, and my three kids were able to make some memories with them.
By LR Hatfield8 years ago in Families
Until Next Time...
Are you with me? I don't see you anywhere. Where are you two? I come here every weekend to see if you two will be there, in the same spot, like last time. You two loved this place. One of you said it gave you time to think and to be with the one you loved. But you're not. I stop at the bridge, crying, watching my tears drop to the river. I miss the both of you so much, Grandpa and Grandma.
By Gayle Lebus8 years ago in Families
Mark
November 5, 2013 was the very last day my uncle took his last breath. Some may say, why just him? Why is he so much more important to you than your other uncles? Well...he was there. For a while just before his suicide, he and his deceiving wife had shown signs of committing this act. However, no one took warning. Not even I. This man was a very smart and clever man. He knew his way around just about anything, even after his stroke a few years prior. The only thing this man couldn't do was stay in one apartment for more than six months; he was always on the move. He was my favorite because he supported my dream in becoming a part of the military. He also taught me how to cook hamburgers the right way, LOL.
By Deborah Klinker8 years ago in Families
My Child Did Exist
You never know how much you love the tiny person growing within your own body until you hear the words: "I'm sorry, but it looks as if you are going to have a miscarriage." Those are the words I was told in a cold, heartless tone on Friday, November 13th, 2015. Ironic, right? Friday the thirteenth finally did bring hell to my life. I always have people messaging me whenever I share miscarriage posts online, talking about my angel baby. The only reason they message me is because they don't believe me that I lost a baby...
By Mother Mayhem8 years ago in Families
Mom
I think about you everyday. Everything I do has a little bit of you inside. The way I wash the dishes, fold the laundry, raise my children. This year has been full of ups and downs and big events. I only wish you were here for even a simple phone call to tell you about my achievements and failures.
By Callie Roberts8 years ago in Families
