Monday, September 25, 2017

eight years ago today

Eight years ago today, our world as we knew it came to a stop. 
RIP, my precious son. We forever love and miss you.
Philip Thomas Riley 07.21.88 - 09.25.09

"I am not without hope, and I know I will see him again someday. But who knows when that day will come, so I've had to learn a lot about grief in these years - or at least learn a lot about how I grieve. I've learned that you don't get to practice how you'll handle something like this....
I've learned that life can be fun again, and I can laugh and enjoy it. At the same time, grief is like a giant block of granite: The sharp edges may have softened with the passing years, but it remains as hard and as heavy as it was the day it first crashed into my life. But I've discovered that sorrow has its own beauty. It brings depth and context to all the blessings in my life."
(Matthew Wahlberg, "What 9 Years Since my Son's Death Have Taught" Chicago Tribune, Sept 27, 2015)

(Phil on his 14th birthday, 2002)


20 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you today, Melanie. I'm sure that it was on your blog that I read the above quote for the first time ever. It brought me comfort during a time when my own grief felt unbearable. Hugs to you today.

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  2. The day before my grandma's birthday. I like to think that she is with your Philip right now and giving him a hug today. I am sending you so much love. I cannot begin to imagine how hard today is but I will be praying and thinking of you all day.

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  3. My heart goes out to you. I know one day you both will be reunited.

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  4. Bless your sweet and loving heart, you are in my prayers today.
    Connie :)

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  5. Oh, Melanie. Thinking of you today.

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  6. Melanie,sending you love and wishing you comfort on this day.

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  7. You probably don't even realize how you've helped others. I believe it was on this blog that you spoke of a shelf you had for your son. I loved the idea and did a shelf for my husband. It's right above my computer screen and every so often I glance up at the memories that line the shelf. Thank you. You will be in my prayers today.

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  8. My thoughts are with you dear Melanie.
    Mary -

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  9. Thinking of you and your beautiful son Melanie.

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  10. My heart goes out to you, Mel. I don't know how I would ever live with this loss. You are strong now, and that you can talk about your dear son is testament to your gift for finding the positives in life - at least I think so. You are one of the happiest people I've ever met, and I know you work through grief with every sort of anniversary.

    Sending love and a big hug. Prayers also for you, Brian, and Tim.

    Jane x

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  11. Thinking of you, Melanie. I know that this has to be a tough date for you and your family each year. Hugs to you.

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  12. Sending you lots of love, Melanie. A pain no parent should ever have to feel. I hope you are treating yourself extra kindly this week.

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  13. This quote seems to express very well what you feel. I wish knowing that you are in our thoughts could just remove a little of the weight of this granite block.

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  14. Sending lots of hugs to you today Melanie. I cannot even imagine what it must be for you to grieve the loss of your child. I never think the pain goes away when you lose a loved one. I just feel time has a way of easing you back into life again and making the pain and loss more tolerable. Glad you can have laughter and joy again but also allow your self to feel the loss and pain when it comes over you.
    Peace my friend,
    Kris

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  15. Matthew Wahlberg (Matt) is my nephew! What a small world. (I just came over to your blog to read a bit from Brenda's Comfy House...

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!