Theme: Grief Work and Healing Journey
Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom’s Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder
A month and a half after my mom passed away, I read a book called Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom’s Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder. Some people would say I shouldn’t have read it so soon, but it helped me in a few ways.
1) In the beginning, while the author remembered her mom before the diagnosis, I remembered some things about my mom and wrote them down in a new journal that I’ll be using specifically for that purpose, to preserve memories.
Side Note: If you're keeping track, I was writing in a family keepsake journal, memory journal about my mom, grief journal, and even had a prayer prompt journal. That's four different journals.
2) I became fortunate that, while my mom had declined, she still looked like herself (aside from a few extra accessories like a nasal cannula, port under her skin, a pleurx catheter, and bruises on her arms) and that she’d still had her mind. She was still clever and funny and creative. I’m also grateful that the cancer hadn’t had a chance to progress, which would’ve changed all of that.
3) It made me feel less alone. There was so much I could relate to.
One page I particularly liked was this one: Dos and Don’ts for Dealing with a Grieving Person (I agree with them all, but I highlighted a few.)
I’ve always admired Bethany Hamilton. I love the movie Soul Surfer and enjoyed watching Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable, a documentary on Netflix. I had wanted to read her book for years and finally did in May 2023. Her faith and determination and strength helped me during a rough time in my life.
Book Love by Debbie Tung
A cute graphic novel that all book lovers will laugh about and feel seen while reading it.
I had also read countless children's books with LBGTQIA+ rep that I loved and highlighted on my Instagram account throughout June of 2023 for Pride Month.
And M.J. Fifield introduced me to the Spy Family graphic/manga novels that are so much fun. I adore the three main characters and their unique circumstance.
D - Donating
E - Epistle (Letter from Heaven)
F - Facebook Posts
G - Grief Share
H - Haiku Poetry
I - Imari
J - Job (New Job)
K - Kitchen Time
L - Ladybug Rocks #LadyBugRocksFL
M - Miracle Moments
N - Nature
O - Our Story (Keepsake Journal)
I've been traveling and am way behind keeping up with blogs... But I am glad you found ways to help you through your grief. It's important for us to stay in touch with our emotions in times of grief.
ReplyDeleteI hope you’ve been enjoying your travels!
DeleteHi Chrys - it's so interesting appreciating how others cope - and of course even if we don't need ... the ideas help us with others ... and as Jeff says we still need to stay in touch with self, and with others ... take care - a great idea fo the Q post - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hilary!
DeleteReading other people's experiences when they are similar to ours is healing for obvious reasons. I've found all kinds of emotional strength through reading. I loved Soul Surfer, the movie. Thanks also for the Book Lover recommendation. On another blog I was inspired to have a crack at reading a graphic novel ( a genre which I have somewhat snobbishly avoided), so now I have one to add to my TBR standby list.
ReplyDeletehttps://dacairns.com.au/blog/f/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-q
Soul Surfer the movie is one of my favorite movies.
DeleteReading can be so therapeutic. I'm glad you found some books you connected with.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard. Reading was hard, but simple books like children’s books offered a brief escape.
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