Graduation

My last day of grief counseling.  As my friend Karlene said to me "you graduate from grief counseling today."  A full year.  I could never have gotten this far without my wonderful counselor Stacey.  She guided me along this journey for the last year.  Keeping me on track.  Moving forward when I fell back.  Explaining the challenges and hurts along the way.  She showed me how I have grown over this last year.  I would never have imagined this last year would be an opportunity of growth for me...but it was.

I learned a lot this past year.  I learned that keeping or getting rid of material things does not make Ray anymore closer or apart from me.  I learned that I can keep boundaries and take responsibility for the things I am responsible for.  I've learned to stop worrying about what people "think" of me.  (That one I am still working on.)   I've learned that my faith has been strengthened.  I've learned that with love and joy comes sorrow and pain.  I've learned that you can't "plan" your life.  I've learned how to make breakfast.  I've learned that the heart does heal.  There are scars...but it does heal.

I am moving forward.  The "Just Jim" is getting adjusted to a new life.  I am no longer "Ray and Jim"...I am "Just Jim."  I know I will have my ups and downs forever...but I am still healing.  - Jimmy