Lessons in Loss
One of the many values Bob ascribed to was this simple but profound idea.
One of the many values Bob ascribed to was this simple but profound idea. When we were first married and broke, I remember telling him, “Well, we don’t have any, so that’s definitely a problem!” Now, as I look back on those early years, I see that he had his priorities in the right order even then - as a very young man. Those were wonderful years, filled with love, laughter, and an abundance of what truly matters. We had each other, and that was all we needed.
Understanding the Concept
As we grew older and life brought us both challenges and blessings, I came to understand Bob’s perspective more deeply. Money can solve a lot of inconveniences and temporary struggles, but it can’t touch the things that truly matter. Health, relationships, time—these are the priceless treasures we often take for granted until they’re threatened or lost. When Bob’s health began to fail, his words took on a new weight. I would have traded any amount of money and gone into endless debt to restore his health and have him back.
The Pricelessness of Love and Time
Loss is one of life’s greatest teachers. It strips away the distractions and forces us to confront what we truly value. It teaches us to cherish the time we have, to hold our loved ones close, and to prioritize the moments that can never be purchased. Looking back, I realize that our wealth wasn’t in bank accounts or material possessions but in the love we shared and the memories we created.
When we lose someone we love, the world feels like it shifts beneath our feet. But in the midst of the pain, loss also brings clarity. It reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of investing in what truly matters. Money can’t mend a broken heart or replace a lost loved one. It can’t buy back time or undo regret. But it can teach us — if we let it — to focus on the things that endure.
As I reflect on the lessons simply walking through life with him taught me, I find myself filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the years we had together, for the love that continues to shape me, and for the perspective that helps me navigate life without him. It’s a reminder to cherish the people and moments that make life meaningful and to hold loosely to the things that can be replaced.
Final Thoughts
“If money can fix it, it’s not a problem” is more than just a saying; it’s a philosophy that encourages us to look beyond the surface and focus on what truly matters. Bob’s wisdom continues to guide me, reminding me to value the irreplaceable and to approach life with a heart full of love and gratitude. Loss may be a harsh teacher, but it’s also a profound one, showing us what really matters in this brief, beautiful journey called life.
I am a school counselor turned counselor educator, professor, and author helping educators and parents to build social, emotional, and academic growth in ALL kids! The school counseling blog delivers both advocacy as well as strategies to help you deliver your best school counseling program.
I'm a mother, grandmother, professor, author, and wife (I'll always be his). Until October 20, 2020, I lived with my husband, Robert (Bob) Rose, in Louisville, Ky. On that awful day of October 20,2020, my life profoundly changed, when this amazing man went on to Heaven. After Bob moved to Heaven, I embraced my love of writing as an outlet for grief. Hence, the Grief Blog is my attempt to share what I learned as a Counselor in education with what I am learning through this experience of walking this earth without him. My mission is to help those in grief move forward to see joy beyond this most painful time.
