Grief and Recovery
by Patricia D. Freudenberg
There’s a particular ache that comes with feeling abandoned—a deep-rooted emotion that whispers “I was left behind.” Whether it’s the absence of someone who has passed, the silence from those who once cared, or even the empty space left by a beloved pet, the feeling is real, raw, and valid.
Grief doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it sits quietly in the corner of our hearts, tugging gently with thoughts like: Did they forget me? Why am I still here? It’s easy to feel strung along by memories, or worse, by expectations we never voiced. These are natural reactions in the early stages of grief—and yes, they deserve to be acknowledged.
But what if, just for a moment, we flipped the coin?
Let’s reverse-engineer that feeling of being left. Let’s look at the science, the spirit, and the sacred all at once. Physically, your loved one may no longer be here. But energy—the very essence of what makes us us—does not disappear. It transforms. It continues.
Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences notes that in grief recovery, reframing is a key part of healing. It allows us to move from pain to peace by shifting our inner narrative. So instead of asking why were they taken?—ask how are they still with me?
It might be in a whisper. A butterfly. A familiar smell. A flash of memory that makes you smile when you least expect it. Whether it’s your imagination—or perhaps something more—it still matters. Because it makes a difference. It softens the edges. It lifts your vibration, even just for a moment. And in grief, those moments are gold.
As you navigate this river of life, remember: you hold the paddle. You choose the direction. You choose the mindset. You choose the light.
Every thought, every action, every feeling you entertain has a ripple effect. So choose wisely. Choose lovingly. Choose with your heart open and your imagination alive.
Because no matter how it feels today, you are not truly abandoned. And they are not truly gone.
Prompt: Have you ever felt abandoned in your grief—like the world moved on without you? Take a moment to reflect: What small sign or memory helps you feel your loved one’s presence again? Whether it’s a whisper in your heart, a butterfly passing by, or just a deep breath of knowing… share it, write it, or sit with it. You are not alone.
With warmth and wonder, Patricia D. Freudenberg Certified End-of-Life Coach | Author | Founder, Miss-U-Gram ®️
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© 2025 Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified
End-of-Life Coach. All Rights Reserved
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