I think about loss from time to time, as you probably know if you’re a regular reader over here. I’ve discussed recovery from loss of a baby and other people’s reactions. But, we don’t only struggle or grieve over the loss of a person – whether they were fully-formed or not. Sometimes loss is part of growing into the person we have become, sometimes it leaves us feeling like something’s fundamentally missing, sometimes we can’t remember what it was like before we lost whatever it was. In this series of posts, I’ve asked some of my favourite blogging colleagues to write about a loss that they’ve experienced and how it affected them. You can find the full list here.
This post is short and simple, inspired by Liz Kershaw on BBC Radio 6 Music discussing Bruce Springsteen’s new album: A Letter to You. I was listening to this show while running not long after I decided to start a series on Lessons in Loss and it really connected with me.
A Letter to You
In October 2020, Bruce Springsteen spoke to NPR amongst others about his latest album and its inspiration in the losses he’s experienced over the years.
I’m not going to repeat or hijack other people’s very professional posts and interviews here.
I wanted to include mention of this album in this series about loss to remind anyone reading that everyone experiences loss, everyone. From you, to me, to the guy sleeping in a doorway, to the yummiest of yummy mummies, to the rich and famous. So if you’re ever struggling with losing anything, no matter what, everyone out there can relate in someway so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need even a tiny bit of support, or even a great big wedge to hold you up for a while.
So instead of writing any more, I’m just going to leave the title track here for you to enjoy.
If you’re struggling with loss, of any sort, reach out and you will find comfort. I’m here and I can listen. Or there are lots of organisations staffed by kind and caring souls if you need them.
Mind
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care
Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Relate
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Smelly Socks and Garden Peas 
Thank you for sharing this amazing information. Lost is such a difficult experience but also such a powerful tool, thank you for sharing your experiences. I also love the song!
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Thank you, we can grieve over all sorts of things and coping with that is one of the core common human experiences.
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Thanks for sharing, I think music helps us to calm in a stressful situation, which we need 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
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Sometimes just getting absorbed into music is what we need to separate from the stress
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Beautiful sentiment! It’s so easy to forget that we are not alone in our grief. That loss is part of the human experience and we never have to face it alone. Thank you for reminding me! 💕
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Thank you, so sorry you’ve been through loss but you really are not alone.
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Talking about loss not only helps the person talking about it, but also helps others too. I’m sure there’ll be people who read this post and take some comfort from it, especially since you’ve included some helplines too x
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Thank you, I hope so x
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It’s so important to talk about loss and share your experience to spread awareness. You’ve shared some amazing services too x
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Thanks, I very much agree.
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My Dad mentioned the Springsteen song to me recently, I think he’d seen some of his promotion but this is the first time I have heard it. I really like it but it does get you and made my eyes leak a little x
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It’s beautiful isn’t it?
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Excellent post. I was interested by the Springsteen stuff. I’m not the biggest fan, but still enjoy his music and that album is beautiful. Coincidentally, I’ve been drafting out lines and ideas for a poem about loss this week. It’s about loss in the sense of losing friends, either through their passing or simply losing touch. The Elbow song, Sad Captains (which reduces me to a wreck every time) prompted the idea; that and a tough year friend-wise.
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Such a beautiful song. Thank you for sharing and particularly for including the helplines. I’m sure there will be someone out there who will find them helpful. I’ve used the Samaritans before and they were amazing x
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I adore Bruce Springsteen and was lovely to listen to this track. It made me cry because I am scared my dad might be dying. And releasing a few tears helped. What better comfort than the wonderful Bruce. Thank you
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Oh I’m so sorry to hear that, my heart goes out to you. Let the fear and emotions out, I hope you feel even a tiny bit better. Hugs xx
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Thank you. It’s been a bit up and down with my dad but we are just taking it moment by moment.
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I love Bruce, this post made me tear up!
Rosie
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Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you. It’s a beautiful song isn’t it?
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You’re doing great work here. Keep it going!
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