Writing Through Grief

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Friends of ACFW Leave a Comment

By Linda Robinson

It’s hard to write anything when you’re grieving. I know that all too well.

We recently lost our grandson, who was twenty-nine years old, had fought lymphatic cancer as a four-through-six-year-old, underwent two separate rounds of chemo, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. Praise the Lord, he survived and was still cancer free at his death. But chemo had damaged his heart and lungs, and he lost the battle to live through a brief illness.
Natalies Consequences1
I feel like the wind has been taken from my sails and I’m merely drifting. Not only do we grieve for the loss of our grandchild, but it was our youngest son’s only biological child. We grieve for, and with, him and our daughter-in-law. At the same time, we thank God for twenty-nine years of precious memories of Josh that we hold dear to our hearts.

I can’t imagine enduring through life’s heartaches and losses without God. Initially, I wanted to opt out of this blog which has been scheduled for many months. But I know that life goes on and God will give me strength to do what I must, to keep my commitments, and to use the talent He gave me to write stories that point to Him.

Ironically, a couple of years ago I wrote a fictional short story for my Writers’ Forum assignment that dealt with loss–the death of an army spouse. At the time, I could only imagine the pain my main character felt, but I wrote the scene with tears in my eyes. Now, after having experienced deep loss first hand, I know that I didn’t give that scene the depth it needed, the raw emotion that one can only write about and do justice after having experienced the same or similar loss. The scene a writer never wants to write.

While I’m not yet able to work on my current projects, I know that I will get to the point where I can move on, one step at a time. But only with God’s help.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Linda RobinsonLinda Robinson, author of five published novels, is a member of her local Writers’ Forum, ACFW, and Scribes. She guest blogs and writes fictional and non-fictional short stories for magazines and contests. Natalie’s Consequences, the third novel of her Faith and Family series, released in September 2015. You can find Linda on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Comments 0

  1. Linda, I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a grandchild or son or daughter but I certainly do hurt with you. My heart is heavy when I think about the pain that you all must feel. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”
    Romans 8:28
    My favorite verse that has gotten me through a lot. God bless you and all concerned .

  2. Linda, I don’t know how you do it my friend. You are a strong woman of faith. That shows in the books you write, you can’t write with such feeling, if you don’t feel it yourself. Because of that, I know you, and Bruce, will get through this, and you will get back to your calling. I love you guys, and will continue praying for you both.
    Janice

  3. Linda, Honey I feel so sorry for all the sorrow you are going through and trust me honey I know first hand. Gus and I lost a son last month also, He went in for a Hernia Surgery and one week later they amputated both legs then three days later he passed away. So yes I know the grief you are baring, but with our sweet Jesus we will make it through.I always remember what my momma told me when my daddy died .. God only takes the best. So I believe he needed some new Angel’s. Please know that there will be better days ahead. We will give Jesus all the praise and glory. Amen

  4. Linda l love you so very much. I can’t imagine your pain. The only thing that will help is God’s love, grace and mercy. Time will help some, but there is a place in your heart will always be Josh’s place, as it should be. Love you and Bruce, praying for you two and all of Josn’s family.

  5. Thank you so much for your kind words and especially for your prayers, Shirley, Janice, Christen, Nonie, and Mamie. Friends are God’s gift to us, and I am so blessed to have all of you.

  6. I love you, Linda. I know part of you would have liked to cancel writing this blog entry. But, strong woman that you are, you trudged on and poured out your heart to let us glimpse the pain of your loss. God bless you for writing this emotional piece. I’m sure Josh knew how very much he was loved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *