Grieving is private, and yet we share in this public forum. There is such beauty in that sharing. I find there is great healing in the sharing. Part of the beauty of this place, is our common pain, and the sharing of that pain.

i think it is important to remember that everyone's grief process is so individual, and that in compassionately witnessing someone's grief process, we can be of great assistance in their healing journey.

We can also interrupt a healing journey, or add more pain, if we offer "advice" which has not been requested, or issue judgments based on what "we" would do, or not do.

Even well meaning advice (that hasn't been asked for) can hurt or derail someone who is sharing vulnerable feelings.
I invite us all to continue compassionately witnessing each other, and by doing so, honoring each individual's grief process.

Thank you encouragingangel those are lovely words of wisdom.

Love Sue

Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom. It has been an honor for me to share my journey with others and hopefully to have helped people along with theirs too. We are all in this together and our hope is to find healing and learn to live again.
Love, Ann

AMEN!

you're so welcome.
when my mom died last year, i was standing at her freshly dug grave, before her coffin was put in there, and i had the strongest feeling/urge to climb into the grave and just stand on the earth. there was no one there besides my brother and his girlfriend, and i said out loud that i was going to do it.
my brother's girlfriend recoiled in horror; "NO! DON'T DO THAT, IT'S MORBID" and to her, it was.
BUT i hadn't asked her opinion.
it was MY mother's death and her grave.
but i listened to her, and didn't climb in there.
i really wish i hadn't listened to her.
what i did do, was drop objects down onto the earth, a special coin and rock. i'm so glad we did this.
i now know that whatever anyone does in their grief journey,
is THEIRS.
it's not open for debate.

Dear Encouragingangel,

what a wonderful, uplifting, and wise message.

Unquestionably, this is a place offering solace, understanding and deep sympathy.

Thank you!

--Susan
~ a voice for the voiceless ~

Such wisdom is sweet music to my ears!!!! Pamela