“Grief is tidal. In time, it can recede and leave us with feelings of peace and advancement, only for it to wash back in with all its crushing hopelessness and sorrow. Back and forth it goes, but with each retreating drift of despair, we are left a little stronger, more resilient, more essential and better at our new life.” — Nick Cave
Grief flows like the ocean’s tides, never predictable and often overwhelming. Many grieving parents experience sudden waves of sorrow that seem to drown hope. Moments of calm can feel fragile, yet they offer glimpses of peace. The gentle ebb allows space to breathe and remember joy. But the tide will turn again, washing grief back with full force. Each returning wave brings sorrow, but also the chance to face pain anew. Parents living with loss learn to ride these tides, discovering strength with every return.
The tides of grief can teach resilience and patience. The heart learns to accept the back and forth of emotion. The sorrow does not disappear but transforms with time and care. Grieving parents find new rhythms in daily life, marked by moments of sorrow and peace. Every wave that recedes leaves behind wisdom and growth. These lessons shape a life changed forever, but still filled with meaning. The tides carve deeper empathy and a clearer sense of what matters most.
Tidal grief asks for compassion toward oneself and others. It invites space for sorrow and the grace to move forward, even slowly. Grieving parents may struggle with hope, but the tides remind them that healing is not linear. The strength gained in quieter times helps weather future storms. Each retreat and return build endurance for a new way of living. The tides shape resilience, and that resilience shapes a heart capable of great love. Learning to live with tidal grief allows small moments of peace to grow.
Thought for today: Accept grief’s tides without judgment. Each wave receding brings strength for the next.