On March 18, 2011, I was honored with the Woman of Vision Award presented by Global Edmonton Television.  At the luncheon, I was asked to speak for two minutes on the greatest lesson my grief had taught me. Many who were not present have asked if I would share my response. I am pleased and honored to do so.

In a nutshell, the greatest lesson my journey through grief to healing and wholeness has taught me is the meaning of gratitude.

Moving through the loss of my son Billy was extremely painful. It seemed like such an uphill climb. But the turning point, the descent down the other side of the hill, began on a winter morning about 10 years after his death. It had been a long winter filled mainly with dark dreary days.

When I walked into the kitchen to witness a glorious morning sun streaming through the window, I sat for about an hour just gazing and whispering over and over, “Thank you, God, for this splendor.”

While I cannot explain it, it was as if by saying, “Thank you,” something within me shifted. The glorious sun was somehow able to melt the ice of grief that had encased my heart and my soul.

After studying art and dream symbols, I now know that the sun is the most common symbol used since ancient times and by peoples from around the world to represent the Creator God. The sunflower, not surprisingly, is a common symbol used to represent the individual soul. For the sunflower turns its head to follow every movement of the sun.

Today, while I continue to be grateful for the sun, I also appreciate the steadfast courage and support of my husband, my beautiful daughters, my family members, my staff, all who have read my books, taken my training and used my resources and to the book stores that sell them. Each has helped to move forward my desire to make this world a more healing place.

Jane Simington 2011