It all seems pretty straightforward – almost formulaic in a way. You lose someone you love. It feels terrible. You cope with the shock. You mourn and you grieve. You wait patiently…and subsequently impatiently…for the time to arrive when life will resume some semblance of normalcy. The time arrives, the pain finally “disappears”…and you continue… Continue reading Grief Delayed Is Not Grief Denied
Tag: mourning
Don’t Speak: The “Censorship” of Grief
“Don’t speak I know what you’re saying So please stop explaining Don’t tell me cause it hurts” “Don’t Speak”, song and lyrics by Eric Stefani and Gwen Stefani When advising the bereaved (be it in-person or in writing), one of my most oft-repeated teachings is encouraging them to talk about their loss – their feelings,… Continue reading Don’t Speak: The “Censorship” of Grief
Recognizing and Speaking the “Language” of Grief
After ten years, hundreds of thousands of letters and emails and untold stories of every manner of loss imaginable, it is readily apparent that much of the lack of understanding, miscommunication and potential destruction of relationships after loss boils down to one very simple premise: Everyone speaks his or her own grief “language”. Moreover and… Continue reading Recognizing and Speaking the “Language” of Grief
Attack of the Grief Monster
There is a “monster” who quietly lurks among those who have suffered a loss and are bereaved. It is stealthy and sneaky and pounces when we both most and least expect it. As with most “monsters”, this one appears in the quiet and lonely of night. However, this particular monster can strike during the daytime… Continue reading Attack of the Grief Monster