Hello everyone,
I’ve decided to start blogging about the everyday moments that shape my life and work at Carter’s Counselling Services. Today, I want to talk about something deeply personal and universal: grief.
As some of you may know, I lost my mom when I was 17 years old. That loss shaped who I am, my career path, and the way I view the world today. Grief is not something you “get over”; it’s something you learn to live with.
I often think about a counsellor I once had who shared their perspective on grief: “The pain never goes away, and I don’t want it to, because the pain reminds me of the love I had for that person.” That resonated deeply with me. The depth of our grief is a reflection of the depth of our love.
Grief comes in waves. With time, those waves become less overwhelming, but they never truly disappear. Certain moments—like anniversaries, milestones, or even a familiar smell—can bring back the ache as though no time has passed.
It’s been 18 years since I lost my mom, yet I still feel her absence. When my children reach milestones or when I achieve something and instinctively want to call her, the pang of loss is there. But so is the love—the love she gave me as a child, the memories of her laughter, her presence, and the way she made everyone around her feel special.
Grief is real, but so is love.
A Few Tips for Navigating Grief:
- Hold onto the good memories. Let them remind you of the love you shared, even in moments of pain.
- Live in the present. Appreciate the time you have with those around you and find joy in the little moments.
- Embrace positive energy. Put kindness, love, and gratitude into the world, and you’ll feel it return to you.
For me, the journey of grief continues to teach me about resilience, empathy, and the power of connection. If you’re grieving, know that you’re not alone. There’s strength in reaching out and sharing your story.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to follow along as I continue to share snippets of my life and reflections.
With care,
Katharine Carter
