Grief doesn't end. We get better at managing it. We feel like it's getting smaller and less significant. Then it pops up in a surprising way and we are immersed in those feelings again. We'll be writing about these moments for the rest of our lives. Your grief helps me through mine. Thank you.
I think it was Ram Dass who said that we are all just walking each other home. I feel like Substack has given me so many incredible people to link arms with and simply walk on. Thank you for being one of them.
Bridget - Thank you for expressing what so many of us are feeling. I like to believe that our happy moments from the past still exist. The joy that you created is still out in the world today.
I always read your posts with much interests!! I noticed this was posted at 11:11-magical times!!
I always struggle during this time of year. Even though it’s been over 40 hrs-the passing of my father during this time of year has always been there. He died the 19th and the burial was the 24th. Then the separation with the eventual divorce was also in Dec 12 years ago. While so many people are celebrating I still feel /cope/mange the grief-it never goes away.. I try and do the best for my son…… but that ache always finds it way in. Thanks for sharing
You know, time is such an odd thing. Decades can collapse at the glimpse of one picture, the smell of one thing, a song that says something you thought you forgot. I am so sorry that December is so heavy for you. I am also very thankful to have your honesty and vulnerability in this space. Sending you deep peace this season.
A little teary-eyed over here, shuffling around in my slippers. That Amos Lee moment keeps replaying in my head. “You guys really love the saddest shit I’ve ever written… yeah, I wrote it, I know what I was doing.” It’s such a perfect acknowledgment of how the hardest, most honest things somehow become the most shared. The way you wrote about loss, memory, and the holidays does exactly that. It hits home because it’s so deeply personal and yet completely universal. This is one of those pieces that reminds me why telling the truth like this really matters.
Oh my gosh, that Amos Lee clip gets me every time because yes-- we all know some form of heartbreak, some wish that someone had been more careful with us. I'm just so honored that you are here and that we can share whatever universal crap we need to make us feel less alone. This is important work- thank you for linking arms.
And the same to you, MaryBeth. I don't think this season is particularly easy for anyone and we're all out here with a limp. Sending all of this right back to you.
I loved this, Bridget. Thank you. Christmas Eve... doesn't leave anyone untouched, whether you're celebrating or not, whether you try to ignore it, whether you are alone or with family. It's there. And you're totally right. You are not alone. I wish you a peaceful holiday from Stockholm.
Well, to have wishes from Stockholm makes things better today. Thank you for always connecting, for caring, for being real. Sending all the good stuff back across the continents to you.
I had moments during this past holiday season of wanting to be alone. We had 9 people in our house for over a week. But I quickly recanted those feelings after realizing it was a blessing. My parents divorced when I was 2 and I know they experienced the same feelings you describe here. I also know someday I'll probably have to spend a Christmas alone, and your post will surely come to mind and help me come to terms with it then. Thanks for sharing these thoughts that many folks can surely relate to.
I am thankful to be away from the holidays this year, even though I really do love them. Some years are just heavy. Wishing you a beautiful 2026, Elizabeth.
Very poignant post! Children of divorce can learn a lot from this post, in addition to the parents. Also, your meeting up with your ex brings to mind "Old Lang Syne" by Dan Folgleberg.
Grief doesn't end. We get better at managing it. We feel like it's getting smaller and less significant. Then it pops up in a surprising way and we are immersed in those feelings again. We'll be writing about these moments for the rest of our lives. Your grief helps me through mine. Thank you.
I think it was Ram Dass who said that we are all just walking each other home. I feel like Substack has given me so many incredible people to link arms with and simply walk on. Thank you for being one of them.
Bridget - Thank you for expressing what so many of us are feeling. I like to believe that our happy moments from the past still exist. The joy that you created is still out in the world today.
Our happy moments from the past still exist. Gosh, I loved reading that this morning. 🖤
I always read your posts with much interests!! I noticed this was posted at 11:11-magical times!!
I always struggle during this time of year. Even though it’s been over 40 hrs-the passing of my father during this time of year has always been there. He died the 19th and the burial was the 24th. Then the separation with the eventual divorce was also in Dec 12 years ago. While so many people are celebrating I still feel /cope/mange the grief-it never goes away.. I try and do the best for my son…… but that ache always finds it way in. Thanks for sharing
You know, time is such an odd thing. Decades can collapse at the glimpse of one picture, the smell of one thing, a song that says something you thought you forgot. I am so sorry that December is so heavy for you. I am also very thankful to have your honesty and vulnerability in this space. Sending you deep peace this season.
A little teary-eyed over here, shuffling around in my slippers. That Amos Lee moment keeps replaying in my head. “You guys really love the saddest shit I’ve ever written… yeah, I wrote it, I know what I was doing.” It’s such a perfect acknowledgment of how the hardest, most honest things somehow become the most shared. The way you wrote about loss, memory, and the holidays does exactly that. It hits home because it’s so deeply personal and yet completely universal. This is one of those pieces that reminds me why telling the truth like this really matters.
Oh my gosh, that Amos Lee clip gets me every time because yes-- we all know some form of heartbreak, some wish that someone had been more careful with us. I'm just so honored that you are here and that we can share whatever universal crap we need to make us feel less alone. This is important work- thank you for linking arms.
Well done Bridget. We all sort of limp through the best we can, don't we? I wish for all some peace, some joy, some strength, some love.
And the same to you, MaryBeth. I don't think this season is particularly easy for anyone and we're all out here with a limp. Sending all of this right back to you.
I loved this, Bridget. Thank you. Christmas Eve... doesn't leave anyone untouched, whether you're celebrating or not, whether you try to ignore it, whether you are alone or with family. It's there. And you're totally right. You are not alone. I wish you a peaceful holiday from Stockholm.
Well, to have wishes from Stockholm makes things better today. Thank you for always connecting, for caring, for being real. Sending all the good stuff back across the continents to you.
I had moments during this past holiday season of wanting to be alone. We had 9 people in our house for over a week. But I quickly recanted those feelings after realizing it was a blessing. My parents divorced when I was 2 and I know they experienced the same feelings you describe here. I also know someday I'll probably have to spend a Christmas alone, and your post will surely come to mind and help me come to terms with it then. Thanks for sharing these thoughts that many folks can surely relate to.
I am thankful to be away from the holidays this year, even though I really do love them. Some years are just heavy. Wishing you a beautiful 2026, Elizabeth.
Very poignant post! Children of divorce can learn a lot from this post, in addition to the parents. Also, your meeting up with your ex brings to mind "Old Lang Syne" by Dan Folgleberg.