Blog Series #1 Finding Comfort

To find comfort in grief can be difficult for me, and perhaps for you as well. Although I realize that we all grieve differently and the pain you may be experiencing may not be the death of a loved one. Perhaps your grief is the loss of a job, loss of a relationship or friendship, loss of a health-related issue. There are many degrees of grief, and I’m sure I have not touched on many of them.  I would like to start a series of blog posts with some ways that I have found comfort in grief. My prayer is that they may be of some help to you. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.         

Series #1-After my son Joe died in April of 2008, I found great comfort being near nature. Most days I would go to a park nearby that is surrounded by trees, birds singing, and has walking trails. The park is also adjacent to the Mississippi River. The photo to the left was taken at this park. When I was at the park, I would walk the trails and then sit on a park bench that faced the river. Watching the flowing river and listening to the sounds of nature would bring me a sense of calm. Yes, I would cry when I was at the park, and I would let the tears fall. Sometimes, I would have a family member or friend join me. Having someone with me at the park was a comfort as well.  
To this day, I still continue to find comfort in being near nature and going for walks.
If at all possible, try to bring yourself outdoors several times a week, even if it is only for five minutes at a time.  The fresh air and nature may bring you some comfort.
I will continue with this blog series in the weeks to come.
Thank you for visiting my small, humble blog.
With love,
Patty