Seeing camellias that fall still intact from bushes makes me stop and pause in a melancholy kind of way. After rain storms this time of the year, it is not unusual to see such a scene. I noticed this on my walk this morning and I began to think about loss.
There are times in life when unexpected loss occurs. It could be the death of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a significant relationship or a serious medical diagnosis just to name a few. It’s as if that which one day was in full bloom detaches and drops to the ground.
Why is sudden, unexpected loss so difficult? At first it seems as if our grief regarding the loss is overshadowed by the shock and suddenness. And yet don’t we all question? We endlessly search for answers trying to make sense of the loss and its suddenness. Our questioning can be filled with anger and/or self blame. Our questioning keeps us in a place of uncomfortableness until eventually we come to an acceptance that the loss has occurred and nothing can be done to change it. And little by little we begin to see the fallen bloom in other ways — the blessings hidden within, the wisdom learned, the support and love of those around us.
Sudden, unexpected loss can sometimes leave us feeling like the fallen, intact camellia as well. Alone, afraid, and disconnected. Don’t be afraid to reach out..
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours. – Vera Nazarian
