Support groups

This past weekend was a busy one as Serena’s dad came to visit. After dropping him off at the airport, we decided to go to the outlet malls. I used to love these trips, especially with Sana. She had such an eye for the best deals and always found a reason to buy something—an avid shopper at heart. But this time, I couldn’t find the same excitement. Grief has a way of changing even the simplest joys. Maahir and Serena were with us, and that did bring some comfort. Yet, as we wandered the shops, I couldn’t miss the sadness in Idris’s eyes. All he could think about was Sana. Shopping was never Idris’s thing, but Sana had a special way of convincing him to come along. She would insist he buy something, even if he had no interest. And he did, just to make her happy. Walking through those stores brought a flood of memories, each one piercing. I stepped into a few of her favorite stores, but I couldn’t stay. All I could think of was her asking me to choose a color or style, her laughter as she browsed the racks. Amid the distractions and company, there are always these intricate corners of sadness and pain that never fully leave. Grief has a way of seeping into everything, turning the most mundane activities into emotional landmines. Our minds never stop thinking of her, even in the quiet moments. Finally, as a family, we’ve decided to go for grief counseling. It’s comforting to know that there are nonprofit organizations that hold support groups for families like ours. We’re hoping these sessions will help validate our feelings and remind us that we are not alone in this process. For anyone grieving, I’ve learned that therapy or support groups aren’t a panacea for the pain. They are just another tool, another resource, that connects us with others who have walked this path. Sharing stories with people who understand can ease the weight, even if just a little. If you are struggling with grief, don’t hesitate to reach out for these resources. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands your pain can bring a small measure of peace.