Embracing Life After Loss: Seven Months Without My Son Dylan

Today marks seven months since I lost my son, Dylan. It's hard to fathom that just a year ago, he was in remission, living his best life, hanging out with friends and family, and bringing joy to everyone around him. The contrast between then and now is stark and often overwhelming.

There are days when I am not okay. I wake up, tend to my family, but often find it hard to show up for myself. I might look okay on the outside, and some days I even feel okay, but how can one really be okay after such a tragedy? Grief is a complex journey, and it's not linear. There are good days and bad days, moments of peace and waves of sorrow.

Despite the immense pain, I try to keep a positive mindset. It might seem impossible after losing a child, but I've realized that while I can't change what happened, I can change how I respond to it. Life isn't fair, and it often feels unbearably tough, but it's not meant to be easy. The people who reach the top have fought battles we often don't see. Their journey wasn't smooth, and neither is mine.

So why do we sometimes sit back and let life happen to us? Why not make a difference in how we react, in how we perceive life? If we don't adapt to the ever-changing nature of life, how can we expect to see results?

Losing Dylan has taught me many lessons, one of the most important being the power of perspective. I choose to see his life as a beautiful gift, albeit a short one. I choose to believe that he is still with me, sending signs and guiding me. This mindset doesn't erase the pain, but it gives me the strength to keep moving forward, to make a difference in my own life and in the lives of others.

Finding Purpose and Passion

In the midst of grief, finding purpose and passion can seem impossible. Yet, it is precisely this pursuit that can offer a path to healing and growth. For me, keeping Dylan's memory alive has become my purpose. Writing about our experiences, sharing his story, and helping others navigate their own grief has given me a sense of direction.

Purpose can be found in the most unexpected places. It could be a hobby that brings you joy, a cause that ignites your spirit, or simply the act of supporting others who are going through similar struggles. Passion is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, even on the darkest days. It's the light that guides us through the tunnel of grief and helps us emerge stronger and more resilient.

To anyone grappling with loss, I encourage you to seek out your own purpose and passion. It doesn't have to be grand or life-changing. It just needs to be something that gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning, something that makes your heart beat a little faster.

George's Compass: How to Navigate Grief

If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a child, I invite you to explore my book, George's Compass: How to Navigate Grief. This book is a heartfelt guide for parents navigating the tumultuous journey of grief after losing a child. It offers practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of community to those who feel isolated in their sorrow.

Through George's Compass, I hope to provide a beacon of hope and a roadmap for healing. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that you are not alone. Together, we can find our way through the darkness and learn to live again with love and purpose.

Join me in this journey of healing and remembrance. Pick up a copy of George's Compass: How to Navigate Grief today, and let’s navigate this path together.