"This is your life now, and you have to figure out how to live it."
Which has always been true, at every passing moment, but now it's against the backdrop of loss. That feels harder.
Reading this piece, I realized that acceptance may be one step closer to love than tolerance, but it's also more painful than tolerance. In a state of tolerance, we kind of wear a superhero's cape, like we're the champions of a higher calling. But acceptance is really taking everything into our hearts.
You're welcome, my friend. One thing I’ve come to understand is that acceptance isn’t a single decision—it’s a journey. I used to think it was like flipping a switch.
But in reality, there are moments when I fully accept what’s happened. Others when I tolerate it but resent every bit of it. And then there are moments when it feels utterly intolderable.
For me, healing isn’t about arriving at acceptance all at once—it’s about slowly creating more and more moments where acceptance feels possible.
Can’t wait to get more into this. I lost my mom 5/4/23 then my son 9/13/23 @23 yrs young. I’ve been decimated! I fight stage IV cancer in top of this grief and our family adopted 6 kiddos out of foster care before all this happened. My life could be a country song except my dogs are ok and I don’t own a truck. Anywho. I’m so sorry for your losses. I will pray for healing. I will read this knowing we have similar pain. Shit ass dad’s club we are in… stay strong brother. Stay strong!
Dearest Jason, I read this and want to take away the pain part from you; and your reality brings to the forefront that grieving is a process and an endless part of life. I have learned much about both your daughters in this journey of yours - you have a gift of sharing your vulnerability - thank you with immense gratitude. It is not much - please know I continue to send in the virtual space healing light to give you the strength to make it through each and every day. ❤️
I relate so well to this, Jason. It’s been my life for the past 10 years. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one on this fuckin rollercoaster ride. Thanks, brother.
Thank you for sharing such a difficult experience. I can feel the rawness of it, Reading this helps me in my own journey of grieving my parents. I will soon be losing my 8th pet and these insights will help me experience the grief and pain.
"This is your life now, and you have to figure out how to live it."
Which has always been true, at every passing moment, but now it's against the backdrop of loss. That feels harder.
Reading this piece, I realized that acceptance may be one step closer to love than tolerance, but it's also more painful than tolerance. In a state of tolerance, we kind of wear a superhero's cape, like we're the champions of a higher calling. But acceptance is really taking everything into our hearts.
Thank you for sharing this, Jason.
You're welcome, my friend. One thing I’ve come to understand is that acceptance isn’t a single decision—it’s a journey. I used to think it was like flipping a switch.
But in reality, there are moments when I fully accept what’s happened. Others when I tolerate it but resent every bit of it. And then there are moments when it feels utterly intolderable.
For me, healing isn’t about arriving at acceptance all at once—it’s about slowly creating more and more moments where acceptance feels possible.
[stands up clapping]
Nicely put. Resonates for this reader.
Can’t wait to get more into this. I lost my mom 5/4/23 then my son 9/13/23 @23 yrs young. I’ve been decimated! I fight stage IV cancer in top of this grief and our family adopted 6 kiddos out of foster care before all this happened. My life could be a country song except my dogs are ok and I don’t own a truck. Anywho. I’m so sorry for your losses. I will pray for healing. I will read this knowing we have similar pain. Shit ass dad’s club we are in… stay strong brother. Stay strong!
Thank you for reading and adding your voice to the conversation brother!
Dearest Jason, I read this and want to take away the pain part from you; and your reality brings to the forefront that grieving is a process and an endless part of life. I have learned much about both your daughters in this journey of yours - you have a gift of sharing your vulnerability - thank you with immense gratitude. It is not much - please know I continue to send in the virtual space healing light to give you the strength to make it through each and every day. ❤️
Thank you so much for consistent encouragement and care Jackie. I really, really appreciate it.
I relate so well to this, Jason. It’s been my life for the past 10 years. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one on this fuckin rollercoaster ride. Thanks, brother.
It’s a shitty club to be a part of but I’m glad you’re hear brother. Can I ask about the loss you experienced?
If you’re on TikTok I talk a lot about grief there. @jason.s.mackenzie
Thanks for reading and commenting my friend
Thank you for sharing such a difficult experience. I can feel the rawness of it, Reading this helps me in my own journey of grieving my parents. I will soon be losing my 8th pet and these insights will help me experience the grief and pain.
Thank you brother!