Experiencing the painful journey of watching my beloved aunt battle cancer was one of the most challenging periods of my life. With the last significant loss occurring 25 years ago, I found myself unprepared for the emotional turmoil that ensued. The grief was further complicated by family dynamics, a situation I had mistakenly believed to be unique to Asian families. As I embarked on my healing process, I sought solace in counselling, coincidentally while also working as a student counsellor. Despite the added challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I managed to navigate through potential depression, ultimately finding strength and purpose.
The Impact of Grief:
The loss of my aunt had profound effects on my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Overwhelming sadness and numbness consumed me, as I found myself constantly reliving the distressing final days of her life. However, amidst the darkness, a moment of clarity emerged. Realizing the need to address the administrative tasks for the orphan project, a charitable initiative we had undertaken, I made a conscious decision to change my mindset. I resolved to dedicate my efforts to this cause as a Sadaqah jaryia, a continuous charity that would benefit my aunt more than my own sorrow ever could. Embracing the teachings of Islam, which illuminate the ways in which we can benefit the deceased, provided immense solace and became one of the blessings of working with a charity. Alhumdulillah.
Exploring the Needs of the Asian Community:
My journey towards healing took a new direction when I began volunteering for Cruse, an organization that supports those who have lost loved ones. Conversations with my supervisor made me contemplate the apparent lack of Asian community members seeking bereavement support. Intrigued, I delved deeper, only to discover that many individuals within our community struggle to grasp the concept of counselling and its potential benefits. Motivated by the desire to bridge this gap, I resolved to establish bereavement counselling services specifically designed to assist those facing loss within the Asian community.
The Power of Counselling:
Through my personal journey, I discovered that counselling played a crucial role in clearing my mind and providing clarity. It enabled me to accept the inevitable and to progress in my everyday life. Counseling helped me see things from a fresh perspective, empowering me to embrace the healing process and move forward.
Embarking on the path of healing after the loss of a loved one to cancer is a deeply personal journey. By sharing my experiences and the lessons I learned, I hope to inspire others to seek solace, support, and healing through counselling. The road to healing may be long and arduous, but with the right mindset and a willingness to explore new avenues, we can find peace and growth even amidst the darkest of times.