A course on grief writing #writeingrief
Life, death and loss of a loved one
I took a course online about writing in grief. The course was taught by Megan Devine — an extraordinarily gentle guide to the grief writing process — and it lasted 30 days. Looking back, most of it is a blur to me. While in it, I was sinking deeply into dark places and constantly clawing my way back out so I could keep going — not just in the writing course but in my life.
I’ve re-read only a few pieces that I wrote during that time, and I don’t remember writing them. But I know they speak my truth and peel open my experiences in a myriad of ways. They are raw, they are angry, they reveal parts of me that bubble up still and spill over at unexpected times.
Here they are, all in one place, partly for myself when I find the courage to go through them all again, mostly for others who can — unfortunately — relate. Please share.
Day 1 — I am not the person I used to be…
Day 2 — What is true about grief
Day 3 — Here’s how I live in the desert
Day 4 — But sometimes it’s later in the day
Day 5 — I met grief here…
Day 6 — Before you know what kindness is
Day 9 — Red is the color (of my grief)
Day 10 — Evening falling…a soft lamenting
Day 11 — I shiver in my isolation
Day 12 — If you want me to breathe into this wreckage…
Day 15 — I knew…
Day 16 — What is the condition of my heart?
Day 18 — a blessing (for those who are grieving)
Day 20 — A shift in grief
Day 25 — Until the moment breaks…
Day 29 — What is the story of the story you’re in?
I did not write every day because it was too hard. I did not write on Day 30 deliberately, like how I occasionally stop reading a fantastic novel a few pages before it ends. Because I don’t want it to end, or it can’t end, and I want to leave it open ended.
My Dad’s life ended in a horrific way. It took him 5 weeks to die. I feel like it will take the rest of my life to process all of this. Thank you for sharing this with anyone you know who needs to know they are not alone.
