My grief journey started shortly after my brother, David, died in 2022. I joined a grief group through an organization that helps grieving family members. At one of the support group meetings, I met someone who became my “guiding light” in the same place I met my other Grandma. I’m so grateful that I connected with her.
This person was kind to me from the beginning, but she was also extremely knowledgeable about grief and open to sharing what she knew. She knew so much about the grieving process because she lost two siblings in different — but equally tragic — ways. No one should have to experience so much loss in their life, but she survived and also wanted to help others in similar situations.
At the beginning of my friendship with this “guiding light,” I noticed how intently she listened.
She let me cry as I told her stories about my brother, and she showed me empathy when I shared how much I miss him every day. But she didn’t just make me feel like she understood — she was just as patient with everyone else in the group and always showed up to support us. I love her because she’s warm, validating, and understanding — and she knows what we’re all going through.
I wholeheartedly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am in my grief journey without her by my side.
Don’t get me wrong, the two of us will always grieve our losses, but at least we have each other after we both lost our siblings. That support is everything to me.
I call this friend a “guiding light” not because she knows everything about grieving but because she helps others in the ways that they need, even though she’s grieving herself. She doesn’t tell anyone else how they “should” grieve because she knows that no specific grieving process is “right” or “wrong.” Having that kind of guidance, compassion, and empathy in my life after losing my sibling heals a piece of me.
Even though life without my brother is incredibly difficult, my “guiding light” makes my days a little bit brighter.
Grieving is a nightmare, and sadly, we’ll all experience it. Losing a sibling this early in life is a special kind of Hell, but meeting my “guiding light” in this time of grief saved me in ways that I can never thank her enough for.
Featured Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash.
