Remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz? She found herself on an unexpected journey with no one except her dog. Then she made a few new friends who were all looking for solutions to their needs. What did they do? They locked arms as they traveled the yellow brick road and encountered its hazards together. As a group, they pressed on toward the Emerald City.
Alone, they were overwhelmed; they succumbed to their fears and obstacles. But when they came together, they found the courage and strength they needed to keep going. They became a healing community sharing common pain and goals.
~Dena Yohe, You Are Not Alone
I’m not making a political statement.
Instead, it’s a very personal truth that I repeat often to myself: We are Stronger Together.
Because left alone in my grief, my sorrow and this dark valley I will give up and give in. By myself, I will convince my heart that there is no hope. Isolated, I will lose sight of the tiny glimmer of light in the distance that can guide me home.
There are many brave women who have come alongside and joined me in this journey through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Some I know only from exchanged messages or posts on bereaved parents’ boards. Some I have had the blessed opportunity to meet in person-share a meal or a coffee-and see the beautiful face that encourages me when I think I can’t go on.
Others are authors whose words breathe hope into my exhausted soul.
These linked arms make an unbreakable chain of love, support and affirmation that gives me courage to carry on.
And I am thankful for each and every one.
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thelifeididntchoose 
Yes Melanie it’s true that there’s strength in numbers. That’s why I’m so thankful that God has allowed our paths to cross. Even having been raised in a Christian home it’s still difficult to know how you’re supposed to take losing a child, especially when you’re surrounded by family who just don’t get you. I try explaining how I feel and then I realize there’s really no way to explain what I feel. So yes it is wonderful to be able to interact with people who do understand.
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I’m so thankful for your blog. Together we all will be ok. 💙
*Always a mom of 4 with one who left us 14 months ago. Overwhelmingly missing my Thomas everyday but especially difficult during the holidays.
Thank you for everyone’s continued support.
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I found you when my hope and will disappeared. Your words have given me hope where only sadness lived. For 5 years I have walked his road. I have watched as people have address everything I do and how wrong I am. I would be willing to change places with them anyway. But that is not the road God has me walking. Don’t understand but since I have found your blog I can pray that Sandra and Sierra are at peace and help guide me because I’m one lost soul.
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Those who suffer together, live together. Thank you.
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Definitely Stronger Together – thank you xxxx
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