"A Mourning Moment" by Bob Willis

Loss of "Potential"

Since relationships end before we are through with them, it is very common to grieve the loss of "potential".
Potential means "it has not happened yet". For example, a spouse may die before the "potential" of being a parent...or the "potential" of being a grandparent...or the "potential" of enjoying retirement...or the "potential " of growing old together. Losing a spouse at any age can be devastating.
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Parents who suffer the death of a child will face numerous losses of "potential". They will be robbed of the "potential" of watching a child walk or talk...the "potential" of watching them develop and grow...the "potential" of watching them marry and begin a family. The loss of "potential" is a grief issue, a reminder of what was lost.

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​Recognizing these losses, feeling their impact, and realizing they add to the grief burden is an important step.
We actually grieve the loss of what COULD have been, what SHOULD have been, and what MIGHT have been.
Becoming aware of these losses is part of the journey. I believe it is helpful to make a written list of the "potential" areas where you feel a loss. To Identify them will soften the level of shock when they occur.
Many people find it helps to express the loss of "potential" to others. It allows us to put words to our grief, it allows for healthy mourning.
Thank you for following and sharing these articles. God bless you ⚘🙏⚘🙏⚘🙏
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"
"JESUS: The CRUCIFIED CAREGIVER"