I am learning that grief has many faces and one of the many faces of grief that stares me right in the eyes today is “grief disguised”.

Grief is disguised in Mikail’s favourite foods I don’t buy at the grocery store anymore. It’s disguised in the smaller loads of laundry; in the favourite toys that don’t get played with as much anymore; in the Amazon wishlist of items he wished for for his upcoming birthday; in the words of his favourite song. Grief is disguised in the two year old girl and four year old boy holding hands while walking together happily–brother and sister–best friends.

Lately it’s the grief disguised that is the most surprising and emotionally draining of all. One day these moments that, right now, feel like an assault on my heart, will be sweet reminders of precious memories shared.