Wow, Fred. Sometimes I think that the most generous human act is not the sharing of praise or compliments but sharing our pain and grief. Pretty words are easy. True words are hard. This is so real it will strike all who read it close to home. One thing all eight billion of us share on this earth is pain, yet everyone’s is unique. Thanks for this.
Jack the thing that drives me to share these stories is how often someone like us steps forward and tells me that because I wrote about it or did a video that they went and got help finally. A dear friend who couldn't be more the polar opposite of my politically called me and got a referral to my therapist a couple of years ago. It helped him. So, hey...I'll hang this out there if it it helps.
Fred, as always you write so beautifully about Jenn. You deserve any and all happiness you have. I was witness to the love you had for Jenn. It won't be replaced with others just built upon. Live your best life and continue your path with mistakes and successes.
I think I've commented 2 other times and each of them were to say thank you for being an example of vulnerability and humility, especially for other men. It is so rare and sorely needed. I really believe this is the stuff that could show men, raised in our patriarchal system, that they can be liberated. They don't need to be a proud boy, an oath keeper, or an incel to feel masculine/to fit in somewhere. This is the stuff that can change our world. So, I repeat myself. I am so grateful for your words and your example. Love to you and your family.
Grief is indeed a sneaky bastard jumping out at unexpected times. Thank you for sharing your journey and the memories of a lovely human gone too soon. All the best to you.
Death ends a life, but it doesn't end our relationship to the one(s) we've lost. It changes us and sometimes we don't know in what way until we come out the other side. I'm both reflecting on my own long ago loss of a child and also the recent death of my younger sister, who died 2 weeks ago. Grief isn't something you get over, in my experience. You learn to live with it, the pain becomes less raw, less constant. You're getting there, my friend. Blessings.
Fred, I understand all too well about the pain from loss. 26 years ago I lost my partner of 12 years. He died from kidney disease. It still hurts, more on certain days. I had to learn how to live with that pain. That's really all you can do really. If you don't learn to cope, it can destroy you. My pain almost did. One of the best ways to help cope is to share those feelings with others.
Fred you opened your heart with a raw account of your grief, thank you for that. You sound like a very special person, if you have encouraged people to open up about their psychological trauma and seek help that is a positive. You and your lovely family deserve the best ❤️
Fred, I’m glad I read your grief journey still in progress. I cannot imagine except my daughter has PTSD after losing her husband unexpectedly on October 2, 2021 to cancer. Diagnosed in September, he passed out in their family room and died before he could begin chemo. She refused counseling to our dismay, and she’s still in great need of it. I’m giving her your story to read in hopes she’ll be able to move on. Bless you and best wishes to keep on keeping on💕
Diane, I’m so sorry. What a heartbreaking story and so suddenly too. It must be difficult for the whole family. Our children, no matter how old, are our hearts. Wishing you all peace & love ❤️
Oh Fred, your story touches my heart. I’m so sorry for so many things: the loss of your wife and child, the trauma of combat you’ve had to endure and so much more. Indeed, grief is a journey that goes its own way. I am so glad you are alive! Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you. It's like I said...its just my journey at this point. I didn't think it was any different than most people with similar lives in the military or life. I suppose in retrospect there have been a few bumps. I appreciate your support and being here.
Thank you for sharing your heart and heartache with us, for always being so honest and real. Thinking of you and holding space for you, your wife Jenn and your baby in my heart.
Thank you again Fred. Grieving is a journey. Love the pictures! Young love in full bloom. So sorry for your loss...so glad your dog was nearby when you were crying. Cheers to oyour accomplishments since that tragic day.
Thank you for sharing, everyone we all know is going through something hard, we should all realize it and try to be a better, kinder, more empathetic person for it. Best of luck on your journey, we're all in recovery from something.
It is indeed a journey walked alone in a crowd. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, Fred. Sometimes I think that the most generous human act is not the sharing of praise or compliments but sharing our pain and grief. Pretty words are easy. True words are hard. This is so real it will strike all who read it close to home. One thing all eight billion of us share on this earth is pain, yet everyone’s is unique. Thanks for this.
Jack the thing that drives me to share these stories is how often someone like us steps forward and tells me that because I wrote about it or did a video that they went and got help finally. A dear friend who couldn't be more the polar opposite of my politically called me and got a referral to my therapist a couple of years ago. It helped him. So, hey...I'll hang this out there if it it helps.
Fred, as always you write so beautifully about Jenn. You deserve any and all happiness you have. I was witness to the love you had for Jenn. It won't be replaced with others just built upon. Live your best life and continue your path with mistakes and successes.
Thank you Sue. She was a remarkable human. Thank you for keeping me in the family.
I think I've commented 2 other times and each of them were to say thank you for being an example of vulnerability and humility, especially for other men. It is so rare and sorely needed. I really believe this is the stuff that could show men, raised in our patriarchal system, that they can be liberated. They don't need to be a proud boy, an oath keeper, or an incel to feel masculine/to fit in somewhere. This is the stuff that can change our world. So, I repeat myself. I am so grateful for your words and your example. Love to you and your family.
Grace, you said what I wanted to say but with much more eloquence. 💙
Grief is indeed a sneaky bastard jumping out at unexpected times. Thank you for sharing your journey and the memories of a lovely human gone too soon. All the best to you.
Thanks, Joanna. True.
Death ends a life, but it doesn't end our relationship to the one(s) we've lost. It changes us and sometimes we don't know in what way until we come out the other side. I'm both reflecting on my own long ago loss of a child and also the recent death of my younger sister, who died 2 weeks ago. Grief isn't something you get over, in my experience. You learn to live with it, the pain becomes less raw, less constant. You're getting there, my friend. Blessings.
Fred, I understand all too well about the pain from loss. 26 years ago I lost my partner of 12 years. He died from kidney disease. It still hurts, more on certain days. I had to learn how to live with that pain. That's really all you can do really. If you don't learn to cope, it can destroy you. My pain almost did. One of the best ways to help cope is to share those feelings with others.
Thank you Sir for sharing your story 🙏🤘
Thank you. I'm sorry for your loss.
Fred you opened your heart with a raw account of your grief, thank you for that. You sound like a very special person, if you have encouraged people to open up about their psychological trauma and seek help that is a positive. You and your lovely family deserve the best ❤️
Thank you for your openness. Too many lock it away and suffer internally.
Fred, I’m glad I read your grief journey still in progress. I cannot imagine except my daughter has PTSD after losing her husband unexpectedly on October 2, 2021 to cancer. Diagnosed in September, he passed out in their family room and died before he could begin chemo. She refused counseling to our dismay, and she’s still in great need of it. I’m giving her your story to read in hopes she’ll be able to move on. Bless you and best wishes to keep on keeping on💕
Diane, I’m so sorry. What a heartbreaking story and so suddenly too. It must be difficult for the whole family. Our children, no matter how old, are our hearts. Wishing you all peace & love ❤️
Thank you so much. It’s going to be a rough weekend. Keep us in your prayers. 🙏
Oh Fred, your story touches my heart. I’m so sorry for so many things: the loss of your wife and child, the trauma of combat you’ve had to endure and so much more. Indeed, grief is a journey that goes its own way. I am so glad you are alive! Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you. It's like I said...its just my journey at this point. I didn't think it was any different than most people with similar lives in the military or life. I suppose in retrospect there have been a few bumps. I appreciate your support and being here.
First of all, may her memory always be for a blessing. Thank you for sharing this insight into your life. She will always be with you.
Thank you for sharing your heart and heartache with us, for always being so honest and real. Thinking of you and holding space for you, your wife Jenn and your baby in my heart.
Peace brother. You’re doing good with your writing.
Thank you again Fred. Grieving is a journey. Love the pictures! Young love in full bloom. So sorry for your loss...so glad your dog was nearby when you were crying. Cheers to oyour accomplishments since that tragic day.
Thank you for sharing, everyone we all know is going through something hard, we should all realize it and try to be a better, kinder, more empathetic person for it. Best of luck on your journey, we're all in recovery from something.