Greetings, Hive Family, most especially to this lovely Lifestyle Community!
Life has a way of testing our strength in the most unexpected ways. Lately, I’ve been walking through one of the darkest valleys of my life: grieving the loss of my beloved father who passed away last July. The pain is raw, the silence deafening, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams heavier than ever. But in the midst of this sorrow, I’ve found a strange kind of comfort in something simple: bread.
I’ve always been the breadwinner of my family, literally and figuratively. Since landing my first job, I’ve poured my energy into supporting my parents, siblings, eventually my nephews and nieces. My own happiness was never a priority. I worked tirelessly, never pausing to ask myself what I truly wanted. And when I finally decided to leave my job after nearly 13 years, life threw me a curveball: my father fell ill.
I did everything I could. I took out loans, stayed by his side, prayed endlessly. I fought for his life as if it were my own. But despite all efforts, he left us. And with his passing, a part of me broke, too.
Bread and Bittersweet Moments
Grief is not linear. Some days I feel strong, other days I crumble. But oddly enough, I’ve found a small ritual that helps me breathe: eating assorted breads. Bread has become my quiet companion. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it softens it, just enough to get through the day.
Maybe it’s the simplicity of it. Maybe it’s the way it reminds me of home, of my father’s quiet strength, of shared breakfasts and laughter that now live only in memory. Bread doesn’t judge. It doesn’t ask questions.
Healing, One Bite at a Time
I know healing won’t happen overnight. It might take months, maybe years. But I’m learning to be gentle with myself. I’m learning that it’s okay to pause, to cry, to eat bread and feel a little less broken. I’m learning that even in sorrow, there can be softness.
To anyone out there who’s grieving, who’s tired, who feels like they’re carrying the weight of the world, find your bread. Find that small thing that brings you peace, even if just for a moment. You deserve it.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for taking the time to read my story. Writing this has been part of my healing, and I hope it brings comfort to someone else, too. Let’s continue to spread positivity, even when life feels heavy; because sometimes, sorrows really are less with bread.
NOTE: All the photos shared here are mine, originally captured using my mobile phone; first pic just enhanced using the user-friendly CollageArt.
You know we pinoys really have something about bread. It's sometimes really our comfort food. Sometimes it what becomes pantawid gutom. To some it's the best pasalubong there can be. Depends on how we value it. Moving on from a loss is not easy. But having the will to overcome it is already a way forward. Keep safe!
Yeah, you're right. Thank you!😇
yay! encinada?? 😜
Actually, I forgot their names, Idol. Hahaha! But ensaymada is also tasty. 😘