Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy that leaves an indelible mark on a parent's heart. The grief that follows is a heavy burden, one that seems impossible to bear. Each day becomes a struggle, filled with moments of overwhelming sadness and longing for the child who is no longer there. It's like navigating through an endless maze of emotions, where even the smallest memories or reminders can trigger waves of pain. The loss is profound and profound, a wound that never fully heals, no matter how much time passes. Parents often find themselves grappling with feelings of guilt, questioning what they could have done differently, and grappling with the unfairness of it all. Moving forward feels like an insurmountable task, as the void left by their child's absence looms large in their lives. It's a journey fraught with setbacks and moments of despair, yet amidst the darkness, there remains a glimmer of hope that one day, they may find a way to carry on, honoring the memory of their beloved child while learning to live with the pain of their loss. My guest today is Judi Merriam. Judi today shares about the "empty seat" and the "empty shoes by the door". Listen as we "take flight" with Judi Merriam

👟

In a room of quiet solitude, a seat stands bare,

Echoes of laughter fade into the air.

Beside it, shoes lie in silent repose,

A story untold, a journey that closed.

The empty seat, a void profound,

Where once a presence, now not found.

Its arms outstretched, a welcoming embrace,

Now untouched, a solitary space.

The shoes they wore, now still and alone,

A silent testament to journeys known.

Each scuff, each mark, a tale to tell,

Of paths traversed and memories dwell.

Yet now they rest, devoid of tread,

A testament to the words unsaid.

The missing place they once fulfilled,

Now empty, the void left unfilled.

But though they're gone, their essence remains,

In memories cherished, in heart's refrains.

For in the empty seat and shoes left behind,

Their spirit lingers, a treasure to find.

So let us honor the ones we miss,

In the empty seat, in the shoes like this.

For though they're gone, their presence we feel,

In every memory, ever real.

👟

To learn more about Judi click the link below.

https://judimerriam.com/

Remember when you walk in Other People's Shoes you get a different perspective!

👟

If you enjoy the show, consider subscribing to your podcast platforms so you don't miss an episode. We would also love it if you could leave us a review click here!

👟

To hear other episodes go to:

www.opspodcast.com

👟

Social Media:

👟

**Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: ** @opspodcashow