Grief and insomnia are two very intimate friends of mine, non-COVID related. In fact, I am now BFF’s (formally frienemies) with both, a distant cry from my historic habit of ghosting, benching and straight up gaslighting either or both. In regard to grief (the grief related to someone dying): it was not until my dad and great aunt, passed that I experienced the infinite weight and world of grief. Coincidently, my insomnia also was at its worst during this time period, the two unrelated.
That said, I have had the opportunity for great, great growth during my experiences with both. My prior resistance to grief has since been replaced with an allowance and openness, comfortably and peacefully, at that. Now representing a new layer to my existence, both have been teachers to me rather than a bullies, ones that have offered perspective and growth; the polar opposite of my initial impression of grief’s purpose other than to ‘violate and rob one of their former self, the person they were prior to their losses.’ But it took a conscious effort to get to a space of peace, coupled with these two books, which I still swear by; I carried the Loss Of A Love in my purse daily for a year and a half, need I say more? I hope this helps anyone who needs support and understanding. And remember: repetitive reading helps and sharing is caring.
