It’s been two weeks. Two weeks since my world changed in a way I could never have prepared for. Two weeks since my husband—my best friend, my love, my rock—suddenly passed away. And in these days, I’ve learned that grief is a vast ocean, pulling me under in waves I never saw coming.
For anyone reading this, walking this same unimaginable path, I want you to know that you are not alone in your pain. As I try to make sense of this loss, these are the things I’m learning, moment by moment, step by step.
The Shock is Still Here
Right now, everything feels surreal. I keep expecting to wake up from this nightmare, for him to walk through the door like always, but he doesn’t. I’m stuck in this in-between, where nothing makes sense and everything feels heavy.
It’s okay if you feel numb. It’s okay if you don’t have the words. Grief isn’t just sadness; it’s confusion, disbelief, and exhaustion. And right now, surviving one day at a time is all you need to focus on. There are no rules for how you should feel.
It’s Hard to Function
Grief has a way of making even the smallest tasks feel monumental. Eating, sleeping, getting dressed—none of it feels natural anymore. I’ve learned that it’s okay to let myself be slow (when I can). Right now, it’s about survival, and that’s enough.
Lean on those around you, even when you don’t know what you need. Sometimes, it’s okay to let someone else to help.
Every Moment is Different
There are moments when I break down, completely overwhelmed by the pain. And then there are moments when I feel strangely calm, as if my body is just too tired to cry anymore. It’s all part of this chaotic process of grieving.
It’s okay if you’re riding this rollercoaster of emotions too. Nothing you’re feeling is wrong.
The Support of Others Matters
If there’s one thing I’ve been grateful for in these last two weeks, it’s the people who’ve shown up—even when I didn’t know how to ask. They’ve reminded me that I’m not alone, even though I feel so isolated in my pain.
Letting others in doesn’t take away the hurt, but it gives you a moment to breathe, to feel supported. Sometimes it’s a text, sometimes it’s sitting quietly together, and sometimes it’s just knowing someone cares. Don’t be afraid to reach out, even if it’s just to say, “I’m struggling.”
Grief Takes Time
Right now, I don’t have answers for how I’ll get through this. I don’t know what tomorrow or next week will look like. But I’m learning that grief isn’t something to be fixed or rushed through. It’s something we carry with us, slowly learning to live alongside it.
It’s okay if you don’t feel strong yet. It’s okay if all you can do is exist right now. That’s enough.
You’re Not Alone
To anyone else in these early days of grief, I want you to know that your feelings are valid, no matter what they are. It’s okay to hurt, to be angry, to feel lost. You’re not expected to “be strong” or “move on” right now—or anytime soon.
It’s okay to just be. I’m learning that, too. And even though it feels impossible, we can get through this, one breath at a time.
Jamie Nalbandyan 
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