Grief is ...

Grief is not a feeling.

It is an experience. A journey. Without end. Without a map. It will take you to places so dark, so fragile, so surreal. You will want to run, to hide, to sleep forever.

Grief is the desire to scream, but instead you answer, "I'm fine, thanks".

Grief is the moment you open your eyes from a restless slumber, and you hope it's all a dream, but the heavy feeling your body reminds you it's not.

Grief is guilt, that you haven't moved forward, that you can't socialise or have conversations like you used to, that you can't be who you want or need to be for your children, friends, employer or family.

Grief is the conflicting thoughts and feelings inside when you see families on vacation, or couples enjoying each other's company.

Grief is not a feeling. It is an existence.