All too often, many of us experience times of loss and grief. It comes unexpectedly, without warning. It pushes us beyond our comfort zone, and its a difficult passage each soul must navigate on its own. The journey of grief helps us mark the end of one era and the beginning of another. It acts as our companion to help us release what we have lost so that we may be fully open to what life wants to offer us next…
I recently came across a touching story about a bride-to-be whose fiancé, Johnny, died unexpectedly only 52 days before their wedding. Janine’s story is a beautiful example of human emotional resilience and hope. As part of her effort to cope with her loss, she scheduled a bittersweet memorial photoshoot with Del Sol Photography and Dreams Resorts in the Riviera Maya to both remember her true love and to move on from her loss.
“This day was very emotional,” explained Janine in an interview with Matt Adcock of Del Sol Photography, who took the pictures with her. “At the end of the day I felt so accomplished and I felt more alive than I have ever felt since May 1st. I really felt that Johnny was smiling down at me and finally giving me closure that I can live my life in a positive way, but never forgetting why I was here. I want to move on and explore the world. I want to meet people who I can share that with. After the shoot I felt like all this was possible.”
“My expectation was to find a certain closure and to have a photo shoot of my dress in a different way that not your average bride would even think of doing. I wanted to be free and I wanted to do something different.”
“If I could reach out to anyone suffering from a loss, I would tell them this. Listen to YOUR heart! You are the most important person and only YOU can help yourself. What I experienced isn’t for everyone, but I do want people to know that you are not alone in all this. If you have family that ask if they can help, SAY YES! You are grieving and you need this time to really think about what you are going to do next. You have the right to cry and you have the right to be alone (but not too much alone) If you are close to family or friends lean on them. Also, try something new! When I did this photo shoot I had the best time I actually had fun for the 1st time in 3 months since Johnny passed away. Reach out for help and never apologize for your actions because you are strong and you will get through this! ” ~Janine
