Grief and Loss

I long time ago, I took a training on Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, and we were asked to name our losses. It was a Loss Inventory Assignment. “sometimes we stays tuck in our lives unless we look directly at the ways we’ve been wounded and we grief. This is an exercies that alows you to acknolwedge what you have loved and lost, the hurts, dissappointments, endings, and betraylas you have endured. Losses are broadly defined and aslo included anything wished for that did not occur. In validating our losses, we begin the grieving process.” (A Guide to Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: Awareness Courage and Love p. 220).

In 2010, I wrote “This morning it is cloudy, and you can smell the coming rain in the air. The past few years have been a process of being present with what life has to offer. Death. The inevitability of our lives. Life. This year, death returns unexpectly. I am reminded to live every moment as if it were my last.”

I pray for those who have guided my life.

In Memory: This year, I pray in memory of my cousin Judy Lendeborg Tell. Your presence is missed, but your memory remains. In memory of Maria Rodriguez who passed away during the ravages of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

In 2007, in memory of Sandy Taylor, the editor of my book, who passed away a few months after its release. I miss your presences. You were a dear friend and mentor. I want you to know how grateful I was for his perseverance and care of me. Your rare unconditional love and respect is dearly missed.

To my aunt, Jovita, who died last August (2010) of breast cancer, I still think I can call you in the Bronx, and that you will pick up the phone.

To my uncle Nick, who died this August (2011), I still remember how you reminded us in our last Christmas party to keep our traditions, to remain connected to family, to gather and celebrate as we always have done, and you told us soon our elders would be leaving us and we would become the mentors and elders for the younger one’s who were present. You were so right.

In 2011, my mentors from NYU, Gladys Gonzalez Ramos and Jeff Seinfeld.

In October 2011, my beloved, Dave all is well, but I do miss you and some times I think I can call you to share a success or a dissappointment, but I know you hear me and guide me.

In 2013, my Zen teacher, Jion Susan Postal and in 2014, her successor Zen teacher Myozan Dennis Keegan

To my mother who died of cancer when I was sixteen, and my father who passed away in 2005, may you all rest in peace. I miss your presence here on earth, but know that your spirit and loving energy guides my way.