For the final show I am dedicating this to Darryl, who passed away suddenly on May 3rd, and to his lovely wife, Marivic and children Kayla and Hunter. 

Hopefully through these shows I have inspired those who have lost a loved one to take one day at a time and move forward.

This doesn't mean moving forward and forgetting your loss or your loved one.  Moving on (to me) means to begin the healing process slowly and to find a place within yourself to know that you have received another gift - the gift of compassion and empathy for others who have gone through what you have. 

It's a shitty thing to lose someone from your life. It's not like you can call them and tell them off and hang up, or decide that what you were arguing about was silly and you call them to make-up. It's FINAL.

There is no second chance.

So, greiving is going to be difficult and painful.  We, as humans need to call out the big guns:  "Hope & Faith." 

HOPE for the next day to be better and HAVE FAITH that it will.....

Create some positive energy in your life: Perhaps you lost your husband and you used to go for walks together every evening.  Contact others in your community and start an evening walking group - maybe others have also experienced something horrible and are also trying to find a way to live day to day. 

If you find that you have nothing to do in the time you used to spend with your loved one - take an Art class, or a music lesson - as i said CREATE some positive energy and some kind of outlet for you to channel your anger into. You may find that you had some hidden talent - and you also might find moments of happiness!

You'll have to trust me on this one, because if you have just lost someone you love, you may not see the light - or you may even doubt it exists anymore.  Either way, just take moments where you can create some kind of peace within yourself and enjoy your loved one in memory.  Wishing someone back isn't going to happen - we know that, but the memories are there forever, and as the holidays come and go, you may create new rituals as well as honour the old ones.

Reach out to someone and talk.

Try to smile - even if only once a day

Hug someone or have someone hug you (if you can't do either, then buy a BIG TEDDY BEAR and pretend it's your loved one)

Get some sunshine and fresh air.

Walk

Listen to music

Go to church

Pray at home

Watch a funny film and laugh!

Healing isn't forgetting your loved one, or forgetting your pain ...  Healing is a gift you give to yourself that lets you get through your days with your eyes and heart  open - instead of walking through the rest of your days with them closed. 

Walking into walls isn't fun.  I know - I've done it.

Be good to yourselves and I'm sending you all big fat virtual hugs!!

Laurie xx