A little over a year ago I was faced with the biggest challenge of my life. I had just lost my dad and the grieving process was pretty fresh. I worked really hard to keep myself composed on a daily basis and one of the hardest things that I had to do was set up a bank account for the money Dad had left behind for us. Mom pretty much reminded me about it every time I talked to her. I had been putting it off. I'm not sure why but I really struggled to bring myself to do this. Since Mom had been so insistent and emphasized it's importance, I finally pushed myself to set up that account.
I remember it had been pouring rain that day and I had also been really emotional. I cried the whole way to the bank. I managed to compose myself before I walked into Chase. I somehow kept it together through the process of setting up my account, but it was a struggle. I remember music playing in the background but I didn't really hear it until "Ooh Child" by The Five Stairsteps came on and I literally heard EVERY word of the song. Especially the part that says "Ooh child things are gonna get easier, ooh child things'll get brighter." I felt really tuned into this song and tears just started streaming down my face. I got out as soon as I could. I felt like Dad was trying to comfort me with this song but at the time I remember thinking How could things possibly get easier? How far down the road would this be? I couldn't fathom how that would be possible for things to get easier.
Well the same song came on yesterday when I was helping my aunt with a house that she is staging and it had a whole new meaning to me. A lot of time has passed and everyday has brought new blessings. I was finally able to see how much easier things had gotten. That's not to say that I don't still miss him everyday and that I don't still have my moments. The grieving process is never really over but it does get easier as you become stronger. While listening to this song again I recognized how much stronger I had gotten throughout the process.
Not only have I gotten stronger but a lot of amazing things have happened since then. Through a lot of prayer and tears and comfort of friends and family I managed to get to where I am now. I'm optimistic and ready to take on the world. I finally understand what Dad was trying to tell me through this song. Things HAVE gotten easier and they HAVE gotten brighter. I have never felt closer to my family. Both of my younger siblings are back from their missions and so much is happening in my life right now. I can feel Dad's spirit with me with every challenge and adventure that I am faced with.
I just want to end with this thought; when you are faced with what seems like the biggest challenge in the world, when everything seems dark, when even attempting to smile feels impossible, and when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, just trust me when I say that "things are gonna get easier."
