Six Months

Today marks six months since my Mom passed away. Of course I think of her and miss her every day. During this grieving process I have learned something important. Some things are harder to mourn than others.

Now I'm not trying to compare trials or say "my trial is easier (or harder) than yours". The adversities we go through impact each of us differently. You can't really compare them or rank them.

But I will say this: People expect you to be sad when someone you love passes away. They may not respond perfectly, but they are generally understanding and thoughtful. You can express your sadness and friends will listen.

With other trials it may be more difficult to mourn. Sometimes we can't discuss them openly because we have to respect the privacy of others. Sometimes the trial involves someone's weakness or even sinfulness. We can't talk about the situation openly even if we feel the need. In some situations, people are judgmental of choices that have been made or the way we are dealing with a trial. This makes it hard to grieve and heal.

I am grateful that I have been able to mourn the loss of my mother by talking and crying with friends and family. I am thankful to be able to write about my mom and share my feelings on my blog.

But I know that many people are suffering, mourning and grieving in relative silence. Other people don't realize the pain they are suffering. Friends likely don't understand why they are grouchy or unreliable or distant. I hope that I can do a better job of recognizing unspoken needs in those around me. I pray that all of us can be patient with friends, family and even strangers who may be going through "invisible" trials.

Henry B. Eyring said, "All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us."

Click HERE to learn more about this painting by Diego Rivera
and how it relates to the burdens we bear.