I talk about loss so much, because it is such a huge part of our existence as human beings. I still pick up the phone to talk to my dad and then remember that he's not going to answer in much the same way that I sometimes run my hand over my chest forgetting that I no longer have the anatomical parts I once had. The physical hurts much less than the emotional, but it's still profound. Losing parts of your body, especially parts that define you in some way, can be like losing your identity. I still struggle with that image in the mirror, because it's not what I see in my head.
Here's one of the many lessons loss can teach us:
Denial is not a negative thing. It helps us to remember the feelings that are attached to loss. I remember my dad sitting in his recliner like it was 10 minutes ago, and I remember what my body looked like before cancer took parts of it away.
Remembering is good. It gives us the strength to move forward. It gives us the foundation to know how to put one foot in front of the other. It is a blessing to have had the aspects of ourselves that help us to know who we are, the opportunity to love those who have gone before us, and to have the strength to embrace change and become better every day.
So, my loves, don't live in the denial, but let it happen. Let it wash over you and remember and cherish. Love what was before and love what is now. All of it is life, and all of it is beautiful.