By Randi Pearlman Wolfson, whose dad died from leukaemia when she was 10 years old
1. At the age of 10, I had to learn the hardest lesson of all - people you love, die. When my dad died, my heart was broken into two pieces. In-between those two pieces grew bravery and compassion. I learned that while life can crumble, it is the ‘crumble’ that just might become your greatest strength.
Randi Pearlman Wolfson and her dad
2. I have brought that little 10-year-old heart along with me, as I have journeyed through my life. I've learned that grief does not leave your body. It does not leave your heart. It does not leave your mind. Please, never let anyone tell you that it should.
3. I have learned that when someone you love dies, your heart stops. Not literally of course, but the way it knew how to beat and pump and help you to live your life, all changes. It can never be the same. But I have also learned about empathy. And pain. and love. And hope. And life. And living.
4. I will never be grateful for, or see the beauty in, his death. I am, however, grateful to understand that my sadness is okay. My joy is okay too. Feeling both at the same time means I have loved and felt loved.
5. I know for sure, that the jagged edges of your healing heart, is the space where the memories of someone you have loved, find their way in.
About Randi Pearlman Wolfson
” I have missed my dad for 54 years now. All of my life I dreamed of working with grieving children and adults. I have been privileged to do just that as a grief educator and writer for nearly 20 years.
Follow me on my Facebook and Instagram pages, where I share my story and provide grief education.
I'm proud to announce my upcoming book for the littlest of grievers: Eddie’s Brave Journey: How one little elephant learned all about grief.”
