Our fall favorites are here! 🍂

Thank you for your love and your support. I see you and it means a lot. Your efforts to help me maneuver through this new life are appreciated. I’m different now and I know it. Let me be different. This is a new me: the me without my mother.

For now, you can’t possibly understand the pain of my loss. Sadly, one day you will. I wish this wasn’t the case. I wish I could prevent you from ever comprehending the pain and sadness that I feel.

The reality is one day, this debilitating loss will find you.

When it does, know this:

I’m here. Always. Not to speak, but to listen. I will listen intently to the pain in your heart and the sorrow in your soul. It won’t be easy to hear your sadness, but I will sit and listen because it is so important. For your heart, for your healing, and for your new path.

I’m here. Always. Not to take away your pain, but to sit with you in it. It is a pain that will never go away, no matter how hard you try. So, when it pops up and tries to prevent you from moving forward, I will be there to sit and wait for it to briefly pass.

I’m here. Always. Ready and waiting, knowing soon enough, this permanent grief will find you again, and sometimes when you least expect it.

I’m here. Always. Not to lessen your heartbreak, but to remind you to breathe, and eventually to help you laugh again.

I’m here to provide friendship, moments, and memories that will help you forget about your pain, even if only for a few minutes.

I’m here. Always. Not to push your grief aside, but to show you how to use your grief to motivate you in new and refreshing ways. First, grief will paralyze you. Eventually, you’ll find it motivates you in the most unique and meaningful ways.

I’m here. Always. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s confusing or exhausting or inconvenient. I am here, always.

I will be here because I know your pain. I’ve lived it.

I’ll be here because I know the journey you are about to tackle. You will be forever different, and I will be here, always.

This post originally appeared on the author’s blog

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If you liked this, you'll love our new book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

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Chelsea Ohlemiller

Wife, mother, and educator who has Indiana roots and a passionate spirit. Chelsea is married to the love of her life and is the mother to three beautiful and spunky children. Chelsea’s mother always encouraged her to write. In 2017 when she tragically lost her mother to cancer she decided to honor her mother's wishes and write. It was one of the best decisions she's ever made. She know owns the website Happiness, Hope & Harsh Realities, a space dedicated to encouraging others experiencing grief and loss. Website: www.hopeandharshrealities.com Instagram Handle: hopeandharshrealities Facebook: @hopeandharshrealities 

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