12 Comments
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Nanmakplang's avatar

Hi Lydia. This brought me to tears. There's a sharp lump in my throat right now, begging to explode but I'm still trying to hold back. This resonates with me in ways I didn't think possible. I miss my dad. It's awful. Awful,awful pain. Thank you for this.. maybe, one day, I will open up my throat and let it go. It's been 5 years and I'm still here, in denial. I will come back and read this a million times until I reach acceptance. Thank you again 💓

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Lydia's avatar

Hi Nanmakplang,

There’s no timetable for letting go. Whether you scream it out one day or whisper it a thousand times, your grief is still valid. And if coming back to this piece brings even a sliver of relief, then I’m grateful beyond words. Sending you warmth, always. 💓

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Anthony Jibueze's avatar

This was so beautiful. I felt every word. Like you were speaking to me directly. I will share with a dear friend

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Lydia's avatar

That means a lot. I always hope that if someone sees their own reflection in my words, they’ll feel a little less alone in the room. Please send my love to your friend too. Grateful for your kindness 💛

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Thepen Oma's avatar

Is this grief or grief and growth.

I still bear my holes. Learnt to pretend there aren't there. I am indeed softer but at what cost?

I am not sure I have grown around mine. Maybe I am not they type that listens to the lessons from the grave.

Now every semblance of loss gets me going, 'Here we are again...'

Still. This is a gift. It forced me to look my grief in the eye.

so, thank you.

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Lydia's avatar

I think they sometimes hold hands, even if reluctantly. You don’t have to learn anything from the grave. Growth doesn’t have to be the reward for pain. But still, I think your softness is a kind of survival. even if you don't want to name it that yet.

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Promise's avatar

This is a beautiful piece 😍

Grief makes one think of suicide.. It takes more than it gives. I am at the point of I can no longer bear it. I am losing my mind and essence to live. Grief is a destroyer

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Lydia's avatar

Oh Promise. I’m holding you in my thoughts right now. I know how consuming grief can be. Please, please don’t go through this alone. Reach out. To a friend, a therapist, a stranger who listens. You’re still here. That alone means something. You’re not broken beyond repair—you're just grieving. I’m rooting for you with everything I have. Sending you strength, breath, and softness to hold on a bit longer 🖤

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Tubosun's avatar

Beautifully written

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Lydia's avatar

Thank you.

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Valentina Buoro's avatar

So tenderly written. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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Lydia's avatar

Valentina, thank you for being here and reading with such tenderness.

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