Job loss, pet loss, spouse loss, business loss in the same year

I'm sorry that you've had such a difficult year. It can't be easy facing that much in such a short span.

Grief is difficult. And it's different for everyone, taking different forms.

I sometimes grieve over my former life. I became disabled nearly 8 years ago, and I miss so much of what I used to be able to do -- like walk.

I believe it's important to have things to look forward to -- even small things.
Are you able to do that? Are you mobile enough to get out and meet people? Have you found a new church home?

You have endured great pain. Maybe you're partially numbed by it. Give yourself time to heal. The pain may find an outlet.

In the meantime, you can use Mayo Connect to reach out to others. Helping them can heal you. (That's one of the reasons I'm active here, so I know it works.)

Best of luck to you. And give your pup a treat for me. I wish I could have a dog.

@scottrl

I agree that it’s likely that the numbness hasn’t totally worn off yet. After I lost my husband it took months before the grief really hit me.

I’m sorry to hear of your many losses. I don’t know about sufficient grief, it just seems to get less painful but still stays. I lost my wife of 59 years one year ago and it has turned my whole world over. You might consider joining a grief group ( some are online) and see how you feel about discussing your losses with others. I find that I seem okay for away and then just get attacks of grief that are overwhelming for a period of time. But each person handles their grief differently and I can’t speak for yours. I think it’s great you got a dog. If I was physically able I would too. Good luck to you.

@joetex It's been less than a year since my husband passed, so I may be preoccupied by a very energetic Miniature Schnauzer. Sometimes I think she took time from me that if I were alone, it would have been harder. Raising a puppy at my age may seem unreasonable because I'm finally feeling the physical demands of keeping up with her at age 81. When my staff told me that I should finally retire, my response was, "But, I'm going to age by three or four years if I am not productive and caring for other people." It became me prophetic. I've always been a doer and a catalyst. Only a couple of weeks ago, I realize that God has placed me in a season of rest from striving. Without a loyal and devoted husband that made it possible to do things most people would shy away from, I reflect only on how my husband made sense of why I strive to do good for others. I'm sorry for your loss of 59 years. Men and women go through grief so differently, I can imagine. Yet, grief is about the heart's capacity to grieve for someone we loved and cared for. If Steve had not had a near-death experience that was inspiring, we both would not have handled his illness well. His death could have been more devastating than it was to know that Jesus would receive him and that Steve's pain would be gone. So, I'm hoping that I can continue to be the caring person that Steve knew--despite being preoccupied with a puppy's needs. I tried grief groups, but it did not help as much as the friends who made sure I wasn't alone. They shared my pain, and they did so much to help me with stuff needing sold and donated. Thank you for your kind response. I pray that you have the strength to pursue life as best as you can given your situation. God bless you with peace and joy for the memories of your wife.

@dmb7 Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It’s good that you have such supportive friends. God bless.