Hello Grief

“What I really wanted to say was…” Not all relationships are conflict-free, yet the unspoken rule of grief is “you don’t speak ill of the dead.” Author Jill Fitzgerald talks about grieving the difficult relationship. The one where we still had unfinished business, or our memories, and feelings toward the person who passed aren’t all pleasant.

Her father’s birthday always struck Author Elizabeth Sullivan as ironic – it was a day marking an age that he did not have a chance to reach. A day that was yet another reminder of an untimely death. But her perspective changed when Elizabeth decided to celebrate her Dad’s birthday by doing all the things he loved.

Reflecting back on her mother’s memorial service, Alisha Krukowski talks about how often we try to “keep it together” for other people, or for ourselves, when all we really need to do is let go, and feel, and hurt, and crumble.

It is difficult to heal from loss without allowing yourself to mourn, and talk about your grief openly. Author Bill Cushnie explains how sharing your loss with others will help you better understand your own thoughts and feelings.

Guest writer Stephanie K. reflects back on the last 15 years of illness and loss, and can now accept that she, her feelings, and her emotions are all OK.

After a loss, your friends and family want to help, but don’t necessarily know what to do, nor do they necessarily offer the same support skill sets. Author Patti Cox talks about the three support roles people play, and how it’s important to give your friends/family permission and guidance on how they can help.

Through the stories of Ashley, a teen whose friend committed suicide, and Ben, a teen whose father died of ALS, guest writer Kurt Stiefvater explores the common feelings of guilt and helplessness that come with loss.

When grieving our thoughts and feelings may not always align. We may feel angry at the person who died, or guilty about the loss, yet our thoughts may tell us – it’s not okay to be angry, or there’s no need to feel guilty. In this article, we talk about how to align our conflicted thoughts and feelings.

In a culture that often avoids talking about death, grief and bereavement, support groups provide an opportunity to share and process your grief, and connect with others living with loss. Author Patti Cox talks about the healing benefits of peer groups, no matter where you are in your grief journey.

Author Pete Shrock shares how affirmations helped him overcome life challenges, and discusses how affirmations can be help us through the challenging obstacles of grief.