Dear Lori,
I understand how tired you are of the pain. I understand the suicidal thoughts, I've been there and I'm glad that when those thoughts overcame me at one point I was discovered in time.
How do you do it? One step at a time. I believe that we all have to find an outlet for some of the pain. I remember in the first two years of driving home from work each day and screaming and crying most of the way home. I also would just go get in the car to scream, I had such rage and anger at some points. I had to get some of it out. I also turned to doing some creative things. For me, it is making picture frames out of mosaic glass and little trinket boxes. Therapy has been part of my journey also and it continues to be. It has helped me tremendously with my grief and also in dealing with the outside world and some of the toxic people.
At times, I also journal. I haven't done this all the time but it has been good to help release some of the pain. Being here on this board has been a BIG lifeline and support. Just knowing I wasn't alone or crazy for how I felt. Many have posted of suicidal thoughts and some have shared of attempts. The black hole that can just seem to engulf us and take over.
For me as time has passed, the pain is there but it has gotten softer. There have been more good days and I don't cry every day anymore. When I think of Philip, most of the time it brings a smile, a memory of his smile and twinkling eyes. Most days I am able to step back and say "I'm the lucky one, cause I got to be his mother." But, there are days that the pain is just as fresh as the day he left us.
Hope has come back where I never thought it would appear again. The pain will soften but it never goes away.
Love and hugs,
Jeanne