“Just like socks on a rooster!” Have you ever heard that phrase?

Can you imagine how intricate a pair of socks on a rooster’s feet would have to be? How perfectly fine fitting they’d be to stay attached? And, once they were, they’d become a seamless part of them. They’d feel wholly natural and comfortable. Protective, but not hindering. Warm, but not smothering. And, they’d be fun too.

There would be varied challenges along the way in the creation of them, and communication to be honed. Yet, the love would be palpably obvious because no rooster socks could be created, or fit so finely, without a depth of understanding of the many intricacies involved. The shared experiences of love, patience, collaboration, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, and joy would be woven into those socks-along with the fun, sorrows, smiles, dark nights, eye twinkles, hugs, and resonating laughter. The socks would be a mere physical display of the varied luminous imprints formed forever all over the heart!

Why am I using this metaphor? Recently, my dad passed, and “Just like socks on a rooster!” was an all-time favorite saying of his. Whenever I think of it, it makes me smile. My dad was “just like socks on a rooster” to my heart! His intricate imprints are everywhere in my heart and can’t help but illuminate my life. So, I ask you-who has left luminous imprints on your heart?

I imagine anyone reading this has lost someone (or something) in their life very dear to them. Grief is a natural part of life, and it’s so great to grieve because it keeps our hearts open to the love that surrounds us always. This mental health month-I hope you’ll keep love alive and take time to experience your grief (from any source). Feel it, express it, and continually move with/through it in your life. There are so many transformative benefits when one chooses to do so. Grief is a gift—don’t miss it!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.