Written by Ray Matlock Smythe
Are you struggling with grief from the loss of a spouse, child, relative or close friend? My name is Ray Smythe and I wrote a book after losing my partner of 49 years, Steve. It is titled Coping With Grief – My Personal Journey of Learning to Overcome Sorrow. I have used powerful quotes to help people navigate their sorrow. One quote that has been very helpful is this one by Paul Lewis Boese, “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” This is such an optimistic quote.
I was critical of myself while Steve was in the hospital. Before he was in the hospital, I felt I could have done more to help him at home. The truth of the matter is I could not have done much more for him at either place. It was out of my control. As I have noted before, we are all human and we do the best we know how in these awful medical situations.
I interpret this quote as meaning we can have a joyful future if we forgive ourselves for any real or imagined faults during our loved one’s illness. The future of your life after your spouse or special person has passed is up to you and no one else. You can choose to be lonely and depressed or go out and enjoy life as best you can.
Life is short so you must decide how you will live the remainder of your years without your partner or special person. I vote for enlarging the future. I hope this quote gives readers comfort and peace. If you want to learn more, my book is available on Amazon called “Coping with Grief”.
Ray Matlock Smythe
