Forever Now

by Pat Antonopoulos

We establish our silent companions as we mature, not always able to discard the most painful. The death of a parent, spouse, a child, sibling or a friend can add grief to those over-the-shoulder companions that whisper their presence throughout our lives. Time doesn't really heal loss. We find ways to diminish feeling, but death of a loved one becomes a life time companion.

Memories of harm clutch, and refuse our struggle to let go. Betrayal festers, no matter the degree.

Ghosts? Memories? Spirits? The silent companions are with us. A line in a book, the breeze across the porch, a smile from a stranger, or the giggle of a child can force us recognize grief yet again.

Silent meals become the norm because what needs to be spoken cannot be said. All other conversations are far too trivial. The walls of the house become a fortress protecting us from the world that cannot understand.

All this is reality, that "time to weep". But we are amazing creatures. When we are able, we talk. It takes time and patience to get to the deepest part of pain but baby steps simply take longer. When we find that person who has earned our trust, we begin to diminish our pain.

Friendship is an extraordinary gift that can be shared by all ordinary people.