The Long Journey With Grief
March is heavy for me.
Grief hits people in different ways at different times. For me, it is March.
It means returning to BMC for clinical evaluation. It is also the birth month of my father and me, our birthdays one day apart.
We shared more than a birth month. We shared a personality too.
Strangely, his birthday now hits me harder than the day he died. That was always our celebration together.
Over time I have realized that people navigating grief often do not need pity. What matters more is recognition.
For those of us who lose someone who was core to our identity, grief does not disappear. You do not recover from it. You learn how to carry it.
For me, honoring my father means continuing the work and the conversations he never had the chance to see.
Some days I would rather not talk about V122I anymore. But I carry his story now.
He can no longer speak, so I do.
And like so many people walking their own path with grief, I keep on keeping on.
For those who have lost someone who shaped who you are… what time of year feels the heaviest for you?
Grief is a deeply personal experience that often unfolds in unexpected ways. For many, certain times of the year amplify feelings of loss, as the original article shares through the significance of March. This month can be heavy because it holds both joyful milestones and poignant memories, intertwining birthdays with reflections on those we have lost. In my own experience with grief, I've found that acknowledging the weight of specific dates creates a space for emotional honesty. Like the author, I’ve noticed that anniversaries and birthdays related to a loved one can feel more intense than the actual day of loss. These occasions remind us not only of absence but also of the continuing presence of those we've lost in our thoughts and actions. An important aspect of grieving is the recognition that there is no 'getting over it' but rather learning to carry the memories forward. Honoring a loved one often means continuing their influences in our lives, whether through conversations, advocacy, or simply living in ways that reflect their impact. For individuals confronting rare health conditions like V122I amyloidosis — mentioned in the article — this legacy can also include raising awareness, supporting research, and fostering community connections. Sharing stories about those who have shaped our identities helps keep their memory alive. It allows us to transform grief into a meaningful journey where pain coexists with purpose. When you find yourself in times of grief, consider leaning on community support and engaging in dialogues that recognize both your loss and resilience. Asking yourself which times of year feel heaviest can be the first step toward understanding your emotional patterns and finding personalized ways to heal. Ultimately, grief is not a destination but a path walked with courage and compassion. By embracing this journey, individuals learn not only to cope but to honor the profound legacies left behind by those they loved.
