"If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead." -- Gusteau (Ratatouille)

Yesterday was a rough day. Not only am I trying to navigate my new normal but I’m also trying to help my youngest son navigate his grief and see what lies ahead.

Loss and grief is a journey that doesn’t adhere to timetables or play by the rules. It is sneaky and often catches me off guard when I least expect it. I recently read a quote and I wish I knew who said it because I love the metaphor.

“Don’t spend your time trying to chase the sunset, all you have to do is run through the darkness to see the sun rising on the other side."

This idea reminds me that what I am feeling is not a final destination; it is a journey through which, if I allow it, I can find light on the other side.  The darkness can be scary and feel endless, but beyond it lies the possibility of a sunrise.  I think our human instinct is to resist and avoid the pain. Instead, spend time trying to chase after happier memories, distractions, or anything that keeps us away from sorrow.

But grief and loss are not something that can be escaped. It’s only through embracing the dark moments and feeling that  I can move forward. A co-worker told me “No one ever dies from feelings even though some days you may feel like you will”.

Running straight into the dark is confusing and disorienting. Unsure of where a path may lead, but with each step, trust that light will meet me somewhere ahead. Choosing a sunrise over a sunset does not mean that I forget the darkness, it means moving forward with love. Just like the sunrise that follows the night, healing doesn’t erase the darkness faced but brings new light to it. Grief is painful and often ugly but on the other side, I hope to find a new appreciation for the love that has shaped me, the resilience gained, and the sunrise that awaits.

These are some photos of sunrises and sunsets I took with Dino on some of our travels.