When Grief Shows Up in Happy Times
Unavoidable Circumstances My oldest daughter was married this past weekend in a picture perfect ceremony followed by a fun-filled reception. It was the wedding of her dreams, the happiest day of her life. However, in the midst of a perfect fairytale wedding, there were moments of grief. She had been so proud planning to dance with both of her dads on her wedding day; she was blessed double with two amazing dads. Unfortunately, a violent and unexpected virus kept her father from attending the reception. I watched helplessly as both of their hearts were broken because he could not stay at his...
Read MoreGrief Stages
Typical Experiences You can expect to pass through certain typical stages of grief. There is no strict order in which they come, and no strict guidelines on how to react to them. These are only ideas of stages that you’re likely to experience. Anytime during your grief you may have all or some of these stages. You may even go through other reactions and phases. More than likely, you will go back and forth through the stages on your way to recovery. * The initial reaction to a significant loss is usually shock, disbelief and denial. Recognizing the loss is very important in accepting...
Read MoreBefore Grief, There is Reaction to Loss
Reacting to Loss Everyone is different; we’re all aware of that. Everyone deals with situations in a personal and unique way. We should especially be aware that each person reacts to loss in his or her own individual way. There’s no “correct” response to the experiences that cause grief and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Reactions to loss sometimes cannot be predicted. A person may respond totally different than anticipated. When my dad died, I knew he was going to die and we talked about it; I was even with him when he died. However, when I saw him at the funeral home,...
Read MoreRecognizing Your Losses To Help Your Grief
Causes of Grief Grief is painful, no matter what the source. Death is a major cause of grief and may be the greatest contributor to our sense of loss. However, there are so many other reasons to experience grief and not all losses have to do with death. Here are some examples of other losses. You may have additional experiences that have caused pain in your life so keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list. Separation Divorce Moving Disability after an illness or accident Miscarriage Loss of property (something important lost, destroyed, or stolen) Loss of relationship or love Loss of...
Read More9.11 Remembered
Attacked There is no way for me to explain the magnitude of the tragedy and horror that occurred 10 years ago today. Our nation was struck in a shocking terrorist attack that killed almost 3,000 people and left a nation stunned. On one sunny morning, thousands of people were ripped from their lives never to return while so many thousands more were changed forever. A Nation United Through the immense devastation resulting from that horrendous day, a nation came together; united in grief. Compassion, patriotism, and genuine love became a common theme that bound families, friends and strangers....
Read MoreGrieving the “Lost”
A Unique Grief I was talking to a friend of mine recently and I discovered she is grieving the loss of her daughter. What is unique about her grief is that her daughter is still alive. Because of poor choices, her beloved child has taken a path in life that has left her estranged from her family and two young children. Her daughter is not in her life anymore; she is “lost”. The effects of her destructive lifestyle have been devastating to those who love her. With no contact with her daughter whatsoever, my friend is raising her grandchildren without the love and support of their mother....
Read MoreAbout The Grief Recovery Kit
Every griever is different and each grief situation individual. The Kit acts as a roadmap through the difficult and personal journey.
This award-winning book provides:
- practical activities to promote participation
- ways to facilitate communication
- encouragement to press forward
- hope to anyone experiencing grief of any kind
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