Grief has given me the ability to reevaluate my entire life

I lost my 25 year old son to suicide on May 11, 2015. After learning to welcome (accept) the pain. It was a period of transition thru hell then onto new and greater things. During my period of insane grief I transitioned to a period of personal growth. I was able to easily reach out to my friends and family who were experiencing the same feelings.

Grief will forever own me, but I can now say no with conviction and no guilt. I no longer spend time on troublesome people out of pure inertia or pure obligation… I’m going to pray for them and move forward. I’m going to spend quality time with my family & friends. The ones who stood strongly by my side through heaven AND hell. The ones who love me for who I really am on the inside. That’s the best part of me and I’m very proud of it. I enjoy the little things in life every day. This may be reading a few pages of inspiring experiences on Elephant Journal, listening to a child laugh, or calling a friend. All beautiful. I never thought so many life changes could have a silver lining — for me it has. I am going to live my life, not just pass through it. Pinky Swear!