Thank you very much for your comment. I - I think recovery is a viable word, but honestly, it's true what people say about time being a healer. It isn't just about distance. Coming to terms with something is coming to terms not only with absence, but with a lack of existence, and a different way of living. If I was asked to rewrite this now, I could only heavily paraphrase myself; the personal pain isn't there any more, but my god, the empathy when I think of other people in the same circumstances - that's always fresh and raw. I'm glad I don't hurt any more - and that is the worst pain I have ever felt in my life - but it is very curious feeling so devoid of that much agony when I previously thought it would never leave.
Thank you, so much, and your family are in my thoughts too.
Grief is a funny thing, in that it goes in phases, and you have to go through each one, but not necessarily in order or even in a certain period of time...The human mind is incredibly resilient but the part of it we call the heart never forgets... hence your compassion and empathy for those who are walking the road you've already trod ahead of them... Some things transcend politics, and ideals.... some things are worth fighting for and grieving for too. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal experience. People will benefit from knowing they can get through their own difficulties, perhaps a little wiser for them down the road. 