Anthony: Two conversations in one day. I am honoured!
Me: I went to see my psychologist, Daniella, today.
Anthony: Why do you need to see a psychologist?
Me: Let me think … well it just might be that the anniversary of your death is looming and glooming me – duhhh.
Anthony: Oh, that.
Me: I even cried a bit at the start of the session. I try not to do this usually but when she asked what was wrong I just said August, and then she realised. She was just as amazed as I am that it is nearly a year since you died.
Anthony: Daniella seems a benevolent soul.
Me: Bloody hell – I have never heard you say anything like that before!
Anthony: After death comes wisdom.
Me: Really?
Anthony: You will find a reference to this in the Song of Solomon.
Me: Okay, I get it now. You are trying to make me laugh. Bravo – you have succeeded!
Anthony: So what did Daniella say?
Me: To give myself a break, to stop berating myself for this and that, to breathe. She even indicated that my vibes were making her breathless. I told her that I had this constant mantra in my head of get over it, get over it, GET OVER IT, JULIE, since August 1st.
Anthony: And?
Me: Well then I blabbed on about how grateful I was for our rather unique relationship, our against-multiple-odds love story, Boney M, and my recurrent dream in which I take you from the nursing home to a party, forget your meds and you miraculously stand up out of the wheelchair and begin dancing.
Anthony: That dream has actually come true, Jules.
Me: Yes, that is what Daniella said! Do you still do your jumping up and down on-the-spot dance moves? You do realise, I hope, that the cracks in the wall of the living room are probably due to that dancing phase of yours.
Anthony: Sorry.
Me: I so wish Ming had known you back then and I told Daniella that too. I think that makes me sadder than anything else in the wake of your death; your beautiful son, who is so much like you in so many ways, never knew the ultra-lively man I fell for.
Anthony: Why have you put such a dreadful photo of me here?
Me: Because it was just before the nursing home days and Peter visited you once a week after that – one of your many wonderful nephews. His visits were like gold – remember?
Anthony: Yes.
Me: So Daniella suggested focussing on all of the good stuff, the funny stories, the great memories; she even suggested turning some of the sad bits of our story into something comical. Ingenious!
jmgoyder 
Hi Jules, Breath exactly – great advice! I’m bewildered that its almost been a year, as that means its nearly a year since you came on retreat with us. Remember you dont ‘just get over it’. Grief is a personal journey with no time limit. We heal as we work though it. Sending much love and light. Karen & Vince
Oh thank you so much for this, Karen and Vince!
You have been through so many “firsts” in this first year without him. With this anniversary, the firsts are coming to an end. I am thinking of you as you start the second year. All of grief is ugly and painful. I’m hoping you’ll have some glimmers of peace and light, Julie. Do whatever comforts you and keep writing and expressing your feelings. Never give up hope of healing.
Daniella sounds like a sensible person.