The Deception of Grief

There are many many faces to grief.  The most deceiving of them all are the smiles.

There's the smile because I'm celebrating something new.  I am suppose to be happy.  

There's the smile because I'm doing something new.  I am supposed to be happy.

There's the smile you show your family.  I love them and I am supposed to be happy.

There's the smile you display for your friends.  They are wonderful and I am supposed to be happy.

Then there are the smiles that show the deep truth.  Your heart is broken.  Your body is tired.  Your mind is void of any other thought than the deep sadness you feel.

Grief is such a misleading concept.  There is no road map.  There is no real script.  There is no one who really understands it.  It's different for everyone.  Even people facing the same problems experience it differently.

It is amazing how even when our hearts are breaking...we still smile.  Whether it is to keep those around us from hurting, or to keep up the illusion of a happy day; the greatest deception of all the faces, are the smiles.

I wonder how people would respond if after they asked, "Hello, how's everything going?"
You replied with the truth, "It's actually not going well."

Just a thought.