Is Shopping a Stage of Grief?

Ok, Shelby, so you're using the blog for healing...I'll let a little out today as well.

Every since we lost Chloe, I know I went through several of the grieving stages, but I haven't seen the shopping-til-you-drop stage on any grieving list. I think this has been the most therapeutic of all. Red leather chair, great pairs of shoes, jewelry, jewelry, wine, and more wine... Psychologists, what do you think?

But here's what made me think of this:

Driving back from SD this weekend, we stopped in beautiful, wind-blown Chugwater. Carter yells, "Mom, mom!" across the gas station. "Can we get this?" He's holding a magnet in each hand with Chloe on it. Goodness, tears can come fast.

I have such mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I am so thankful that he thinks about his little sis, but another part...the denial part, just wants to move on without mention of the "event."

We got in the car and he continued, "Mom, if I die, I know at least I'll have my sister to play with. Isn't that great?" Goodness, life can smack you hard at times.

What would the "pants" have to say about this? Lucky to have such a precious son? Lucky to be feeling emotions because it means I'm alive? It's time to quit skipping my depression meds? Or...does this call for another shopping spree? Anyone up for shopping? Ya'know Denver has good shopping, ladies.

What I do know is that grief, regardless what kind of loss it is, is painful and I agree, Shelby, it is amazing how we do travel through the same stages. I guess it's like the pants: sharing experiences, some different, some new, but all just trying to live. Thanks, girls, for being you, sharing your thoughts and emotions. We are all better because of it.