Grieving Along the Way

    I've been feeling pretty "blah" since Sharon and Casey left for points East. I have done what I had to do, but my heart wasn't in it sometimes.
    The past few days added to my stress as Marvin got an infection, and I was trying to get him into a doctor, get an antibiotic, and...well, you get the picture. This morning as I was racing around, trying to buy some medicated shampoo he uses, figure out why the meds had not been delivered and get that fixed, I was frustrated. Dennis, Just Like Home manager, helped to get things in order, and I left for work (a bit late).
    I headed towards the freeway and started crying...I call it "throwing up" crying, which I learned is my grieving tool. I cried almost to Zillah (about 10 miles). I finally took a deep breath, and just felt a great peace. 
    After my mother passed away in 2006, I made a point to do the work of grieving. I allowed myself time every day to feel my sadness; sometimes it was accompanied by great memories. At other times it was a longing to hear her voice again. Daily I asked myself, "Do I need to cry today?" If not, I went on my way. If so, I took the time I needed.
    Losses just kind of keep coming in life. I want to make a point to let myself be human, and release pain however I need to. Otherwise, I don't feel very healthy.
    Are you a feeling-stuffer? How do you grieve? When have you dealt with extreme sadness in a healthy way?  What are the unhealthy ways you cope? Do you have a friend you can talk to about it?  If not, just reply to this post and we'll chat.