I have often thought grief only went along with the loss of a loved one. I have come to learn that grief is a healthy part of life, as we grow.
At times I have grieved the loss of a season in childhood. Other times grief has taken form in letting go of expectations or dreams. Grief can be painful. Grief can be as simple as letting go. However, in grieving I have found space and growth. It is as if a reorganization of my soul has taken place.
When I clear out my pantry to reorganize, it is an interesting time. I find forgotten items, which I meant to use. I find pantry staples, which will always be there. Some items I find are seasonal, but rarely found throughout the rest of the year. My life reflects my pantry. Certain items have been placed in my soul, like the pantry staples. They will always remain, they make up the foundation of who I am, who I have been created to be.
There are the items I have forgotten. When they are found in my soul, they are reignited. Life is breathed back in. There are items that have past their expiration date. These feel like the seasons in my life where I have grieved. My babies are no longer babies. My eldest starts kindergarten in autumn, and my precious time with him is changing.
It is freeing to be in this new world, and yet there is a tiny sting in my heart. I realize I am not needed for this purpose anymore. On good days, I can see I have done my job, as a mother and teacher, well. My little one has learned to be more independent, gaining more control. On bad days, I fall into the trap of feeling worthless and unwanted, as if being a mother is the only role that defines me.
