Did you ever hear the expression “ Lonely in a crowd “ ? Have you ever experienced it ? It’s such an alarming feeling it makes you want to run ! Running doesn’t fix the feeling of being alone nor does it erase the grief or anxiety that accompany loneliness . What does ? I thought about this the entire night I left my grandmother’s 80th birthday. I was surrounded by family and friends and yet my heart was pounding and I felt like I was suffocating . My reaction was to run, leave the party , drive to get my children and hold them close. The only thing that brought me relief was holding my babies and feeling the connection between mother and child . That connection is what brought me calm …. During our bouts of grief, the only helpful thing is connection. There are two kinds of connection: 1. superficial social connection such as acquaintances or 2. the bonds of true friendship /love where the person knows you both inside and out . I know why my children brought me peace …. Because I love them and they love me , that unmistakeable bond that holds us together, a hug, a glance, a warm smile all have the power to erase loneliness . So the next time you feel that despair, find your child, your new love, your friend and talk about it, give them a hug, say I love you …. And see how you feel !
