By Zainab Al-Mashoor

KUWAIT: Living through the loss of a loved one and coping with it differs from personality and their attachments following the stages of grieving. In conversations with the Kuwait Times, individuals share their experience of their loved one’s loss and how they coped with it.

Faten lost her grandma, leaving a wound that refuses to heal even after fifteen years. Hoping it was an April fools’ prank from her brother, Faten lived in denial for a year, trying to reach her grandma through calls and texts, expecting her weekend’s visit yet not having the courage to visit her grave till date.“ My grandma was my mentor and everything to me. Teaching me valuable lessons and satisfaction, she built the person I am today. Being an introvert, she pushed me out of my shell and into the socializing world, encouraging me to talk to foreigners and learn about different cultures and aspects. I spent most of my childhood with her.” Faten added.

Zainab Lost her Aunt a month ago, finding it difficult to move on. To me and my siblings, she was a wonder woman, a pillar of strength, an icon of a single mother, a good daughter, a great sister, and a joyous existence in people’s lives. I remember how I waited the whole day expecting this news to be a joke and how my body turned numb, regretting not spending more time together or calling her often as they were a country apart, and it hurts even more thinking how my mom will be able to cope losing her only best friend". Zainab added.

Firoz Lost his bestfriend three years ago. "Zoheb’s sudden illness and passing came as a shock and It took him some time to accept it when he realized that he couldn’t change fate and that all he could do was pray for him. “Zoheb taught me and the people around him happiness. He was one of the kindest, most loving, and most supportive people. He taught me that goals will be achieved with hard work, but to never forget to enjoy the process or any step involved in life,” Firoz said.

Elham lost both her parents’ months apart, making it so hard for her to cope. She was unable to express her feelings to reflect strength on her younger brother. Remembering that the last happy event they shared was her wedding and now having a little girl they couldn’t get to meet. “My parents meant the world. Everything was easier in their presence. A smile on their faces guaranteed a peaceful world with no concerns. I miss their presence every passing day. They taught me kindness and helpfulness - to focus on building oneself and not get involved in other people’s business. To always practice my religion and do whatever I want, but in the righteous form,” Elham added.

Hassan lost his uncle, who was also his best friend, two years ago. Being of the same age, they spent most of their childhood together. “Losing him was an indescribable feeling, like everything around me just turned dark. Delving into the memories hurts very much, as fate can’t be changed, but his passing as a martyr in Syria made me stronger. He told me that it’s okay to take a risk and taught me not to rush into decisions or actions. To follow and continue my path even if I was alone,” he said.

Khaled lost his grandfather when he was young. He remembers how blank he was that day. Unable to speak or react, he observed the reactions of the visitors. Khaled is reminded of him whenever he listens to a podcast, as his grandfather enjoyed listening to the radio, wishing he could show him its accessibility today in a modern way. “He taught me how to pray and be a righteous person, and he taught me to be more understanding of people’s reactions at certain times as they might be going through something,” Khaled recalled.