Grief - Finding Beauty in the Hard

Grief is one of life’s most challenging experiences. In those moments, it can feel impossible to see anything but the pain.

But if we allow ourselves to find even a glimpse of beauty, it can help us honor our loved ones in a profound way.

My oldest sister, Lynn, passed away unexpectedly 4 weeks ago. This past weekend we honored her life with a memorial service and burial in Ohio.

My sister, Joy, and I stayed in a beautiful old home in a quaint German village in the middle of Columbus. In the morning or evening, we would take walks along the brick-paved streets.

We relished in the softly falling leaves, the beginning of autumn where the orange maple leaves contrast so sharply against the blue sky.

The neighborhood is full of brick homes - built in the late 1800s - all full of beautiful detail. Most homeowners take great pride and creativity in their yards as well - full of greenery and flowers.

We allowed this beauty, as well as time together, to nourish our hearts.

Beauty in grief doesn’t dismiss the sorrow. Instead, it opens our hearts to the love and memories we shared, reminding us that the impact of that person continues beyond their time here.

When we look for beauty, we shift our perspective from what is lost to what remains—the love, the life lessons, and the loved ones they left behind.

I think this is so important because this shift opens our minds to new possibilities, allowing us to support those closest to the one we’ve lost.

It helps us see how we can continue their influence by being present, caring for others, and building deeper connections.

In a way, finding beauty in the midst of grief becomes a tribute, reflecting the love that lives on and lighting the way forward through the darkness.

In honoring our loved one, we honor the possibility of hope, growth, and love—even in life’s hardest moments.