Now and then, a loved one will express concern over my writing so consistently about loss. I tell them, “It’s a shame to waste a good grief.” Not to mention the theraputic value of putting pen to paper…
To that end, I decided to make the most of it, by writing a book entitled, Grief Can Make You Crazy. In it, I’m highlighting all the crazy (but normal) things we as grievers go through. Those unwanted feelings that add to our grief and make it worse than it needs to be. The all-gone fatigue that asks, “What’s wrong with me?” The rattled mind. “Am I losing it?” And the numbness…”I’ve conquered my grief!”…only to be hit broadside with a tidal wave of sorrow.
In Grief Can Make You Crazy, I’m covering topics such as anxiety, quilt, denial, shock, depression and indecision.
For the next few months, I’ll be gathering one paragraph ‘crazy stories’. If you have one or more of your own, either now or during a past grief, and would like to be included in this book, (by first name only), please comment below or e-mail me your story. (selzinga@hotmail.com). You will be able read it over and give permission or make changes before it’s published.
What have you gone through while grieving, that made you feel as though you were going crazy? Did it add to your sorrow?
Dear Jenny,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s a joy for me to be able to bring comfort to you in your loss.
I do plan on continuing with this blog indefinately and am still working on the book. Hopefully, you WILL be able to read it someday. 🙂
I like how you don’t waste your energy on trying to be the “old Jenny” for now. I would have been much less tired had I done the same the first year.
Sandi,
So many times I go back and read your post when I need comfort or therapy. I really enjoyed this post. I wanted you to know how grateful I am that you still write about your loss. Your writings have helped me so much in my journey so far and I still have a long way to go. I hope you will continue to write about loss and grief. I feel “safe” here at this site. I talk face to face often about my loss of Sam, but I can see that many people are ready for me to “feel better”! I can’t blame them for wanting to see the cheerful, happy go lucky Jenny back, but she is still grieving and it may take some more time before she comes back. I sometimes have moments of the “old me”, but it takes a lot of energy to be that person right now. I do not think I am depressing, just very sad. When I open this website, I am able to breath and be me!!! No judgment, no one telling me to “move on, get over it, you will find someone else, don’t stop living”. I know so many others hear the same thing, but not on this site. When I read your post and comments of others, I feel like I am surrounded by friends and we are all on the same journey and together we will struggle through our grief to find the peace that God promises. I hope your book is coming along, because I definitely want to read it! Thank you again for sharing your loss, your pain and for truly caring about all of us that visit this place of comfort.
Thanks for your kind words, Bob.
I look forward to getting your story.
What a great project to turn into a book.
I think I can send you one experience I had in dealing with the grief of my grandmother’s sudden death that was symptomatic.
Love your writing Sandi. It’s so vivid, honest, and real.