Imagine what war must have been like when swords and spears were the height of technology. Watching an army approach at walking pace, the banners flying, like a wave moving inexorably towards you. To face this must have been a truly awe-inspiring, but terrifying, sight.

Whilst today most of us do not have to face this on the battlefield, we still have to contend with the inescapable emotion of grief. Losing someone dear to us can seem like a distant prospect, the here and now occupying far more of our immediate attention. Later, we glimpse it as it draws closer, our loved ones starting to face their own battle with age or illness.
Soon grief arrives like a conquering army inducing panic and the desire to flee. Just as such an army of soldiers cannot be outrun, grief will always catch up with us. We need to find the bravery to fight through the grief and valiantly arrive at the other side, bloodied, but battle hardened and so better able to face the next wave of overwhelming emotion.