Seasons of Grief: Embracing Change and Finding Renewal in Spring

Editor's Note: Thank you to our anonymous submitter for sharing their heartfelt reflection on the changing seasons and grief after a MAiD loss. Their words beautifully capture the bittersweet transition into spring, reminding us that grief and renewal can coexist. This piece marks the first in a five-part blog series, where the author will continue exploring different facets of grief, love and healing. Stay tuned for next month’s post as they share more insights from their journey.

As the snow melts and the first green shoots push through the earth, we are reminded that change is inevitable. Spring arrives, bringing warmth and renewal, yet for those grieving a loved one who chose MAiD, this season can be bittersweet.

The changing seasons may highlight the absence of someone we love. The first warm breeze, the scent of fresh earth - these are moments they will not witness with us. But within the heartache, spring also offers an invitation: to witness the beauty of transformation and recognize that grief, much like nature, follows its own cycle.

For many in the Bridge C-14 community, this season serves as a reminder that growth does not mean forgetting. Grief and renewal can exist together. Just as the trees stand bare before bursting into life again, so too can we allow ourselves the space to grieve while remaining open to the possibility of joy.

Seeing the world come alive again might feel at odds with the heaviness of loss. You may feel moments of guilt for experiencing joy, or frustration that the world moves forward while your heart still aches. These feelings are valid. Grief does not adhere to a calendar. It does not disappear with the first bloom of the season, nor does it need to. Instead, it moves through us in waves, sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming. The key is to give yourself permission to experience the season in whatever way feels right for you.

Some people find comfort in honouring their loved one during this time. You might plant a tree or a flower in their memory, take a walk in their favourite place, or simply pause to acknowledge their presence in the changing air. Others may need to step back, allowing themselves space to sit with their grief without pressure to embrace renewal. Both are okay.

One of the hardest parts of grief is realizing that life continues. It can feel like a betrayal to move forward, to laugh, to find beauty again. But carrying on does not mean leaving our loved one behind. It means carrying them with us in new ways.

Each time you notice the first buds on the trees, each time you hear the birds returning, each time you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, take a moment to remember them. Say their name. Tell their story. Let their memory intertwine with the season, knowing that just as nature transforms, so too does grief.

Spring reminds us that even after the longest winters of our lives, warmth will return. And in that warmth, in those small moments of light, we may find a quiet kind of healing.

- Submitted by a Bridge C-14 Community Member

---

If this reflection resonates with you, we invite you to share your own experiences. Your story could help others feel less alone in their journey. If you're interested in contributing, please reach out to info@bridgec14.org - we’d love to hear from you.