Moving Through the Stages

March 4, 2008

by Nora A. Neal-Daggett
 
Moving through loss is an individual process and can best be described in five stages denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. (Kubler-Ross; THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF) Travel with me through my first stage… denial/disbelief.

 The sudden death of the love of my life rocked the very foundation of my being. I found myself on the floor of the ICU conference room, sitting underneath a table. Right beside me sat the physician and the patient care advocate who held my hand as the doctor explained what had happened.    

I was undone! Nothing else mattered. I had come to the end of our relationship…the end of us! How could this be happening? My husband was a young man, younger than me and in my mind that meant he should bury me!!!I went to the hospital a married, cherished woman. “Till death do us part,” we vowed five years ago. I was planning on a lifetime!!! Who knew death would come so quickly??? 

A short time later, two very close friends arrived to be with me. They helped me call family and begin the activities that would frame the next few days of my life. I remember feeling numb, dizzy and, Lord, my chest hurt! It felt as if my heart had broken into a thousand pieces.  

Later, alone in the restroom- I felt as if I didn’t have the breath or the strength to even stand up. I called out to God and I asked him- how am I going to live through this?  

The reply returned, “one moment at a time… my child… one moment at a time.”Instantly I felt strength flow in! The only thing I had to do was take the next step.Prepare myself to leave the restroom, open the door, step- out… one moment at a time, one step at a time. I knew I could do that! 

I whispered this prayer as I walked down the hallway.

 Lord God, I place my broken heart in your hands. Thank you so much for the life and the love you allowed me to experience.

 

 I trust what your Word promises… that you will walk with me through the valley of the shadow of death—one moment at a time.

  Scripture: Psalm 23: 1-4. NLT: “The Lord is my Shepherd I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.”

Posted by admin | Filed Under Mindset 

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