Death does not wait for our permission

It arrives uninvited, unplanned, and changes everything in a single breath. Whether it is the loss of a parent, a partner, a sibling, or a beloved pet, the grief that follows can feel overwhelming — even when we know, intellectually, that death is part of life.

In this week’s episode of Unbox The Podcast, I reflect on recent and past losses, including the passing of my cat, Kenyo, who had been my quiet companion through many chapters of my life. His illness and final days stirred memories of other loved ones I have said goodbye to — my father, my brother, my husband, and my mother. Each loss brought its own lessons about love, connection, and letting go.

The price of love

Over the years, I have come to see grief not as something to “get over” but as the price we pay for love. When we allow ourselves to love deeply, we also open ourselves to deep pain when that love changes form. This is true whether the bond was with a person or a pet — the love is equally real.

Sometimes grief is delayed. When my father died, I was told to “be strong” for my mother. I carried that strength at the expense of my own healing, until my body began to show the strain. Years later, when my brother died, I learned that giving space to my emotions was essential. And when my husband passed away, I understood that closing my heart to avoid pain only locked away my ability to feel love.

The journey continues

One vision I experienced during my grief was of a bus filled with people, with my brother’s voice saying, “Life is a journey. We are all heading to the same destination. Some arrive before others.” It reminded me that loss is not just about our absence from one another — it is also about honouring their journey, their timing, and the trust they placed in us to be part of their lives.

Keeping the heart open

A quote commonly attributed to Rumi says, “You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens.” Loss has taught me that love does not come with an expiration date. Our willingness to keep our hearts open — even when they break — allows us to keep living with meaning, connection, and gratitude.

Your story matters

If you are walking through grief now, remember that there is no single “right” way to grieve. Your journey is your own. What matters is finding meaning in each day, honouring the love you shared, and allowing your life to keep unfolding in ways that reflect who you truly are.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Unbox The Podcast

Hear the stories and moments that shaped my understanding of love, loss, and life:

Thanks for reading my blog.

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