It was the trip I didn’t know how to process. I was flying back to the place that give me happiness with my career and most importantly, my wife, Sally, who passed away from cancer last year. I sold my house, and relocated, at least for the time-being, to the area I grew up. This is now my safe place.

I arrived in Idaho the previous evening and one of the first things I did was to call friends and family to calm me down and assure he I am doing the right thing. Thoughts were racing to just repack and go to the airport and head back to the sanctuary of where my family and friends reside. No one was available to take my calls. You can only imagine the craziness in my head.

We’ll, I did set up business and personal meetings, so I needed to do this. Prior to this trip, my emotions were all over the place. The ups and downs were making things even harder as I’ve passed 10 months. I keep blaming the ups and downs on the impending 1-year anniversary since her passing, which is coming fast.

I was afraid of the reminders, the memories, the guilt of going on, and so forth of being back to Idaho. But, I faced my fears and went to the places that made my life so good on my first full day. Honestly, instead of experiencing the overwhelming sadness, which I thought I would get, I remembered the joy and wonderful times we had. The people I had left behind seemed very glad to see me and I was great to see them.

I even visited Sally’s old work place. I still see her behind the cosmetic counter helping everyone who needed it. Her workplace and even the customers miss her too. She obviously left a big impression on this area as well.

Continuing down this path, I realize there are no rules and no time limits on this grieving process. Everyone is different and what we do may be different. And, sometimes, we have to do different things, even when others don’t get what you’re doing. I’m slowly learning that it’s okay to feel a little joy, at least once in a while. But, this is going to be a long journey with more ups and downs. I miss Sally every single moment.

In just a short time back in Idaho, I learned a great deal, more than I bargained for. Sitting here writing this, I do feel a sense of pride and I think my adorable wife, Sally, would be proud as well.