Grief Speaks

“Not everyone deserves to hear your grief. Not everyone is capable of hearing it. Just because someone is thoughtful enough to ask doesn't mean you are obliged to answer.”
~Megan Devine, It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand

“My mom taught us to never look away from people’s pain. The lesson was simple: Don’t look away. Don’t pretend not to see hurt. Look people in the eye. Even when their pain is overwhelming. And when you’re in pain, find the people who can look you in the eye. We need to know we’re not alone – especially when we’re hurting. This lesson is one of the greatest gifts of my life.”
~ Brene Brown

My mom died over 30 years ago and there are so many things I wish I had asked her about. I wish I knew about her grief over losing her brother and her dad. I wish I knew more about her hopes and dreams she had when she was younger. So many things that I never thought about when I was younger to ask her.

Ask your loved one questions. Find out about more them. What they love how they handle loss, what they are proud of and wish for. So they have any regrets or lessons to pass on. Some people won’t want to open up but many do enjoy being with someone who is genuinely interested in them.

I feel like we learn so much about them if we have a funeral or celebration of life. And then we learn so much more about them from others. I want to find out more about my loved ones before the funeral.

I see you

By Nikki Bednall

“Any one grieving the loss of a niece or nephew? Lost my 19 year old nephew 5 years ago. He was murdered. I just can't get over or move on from this loss. I'm on anxiety meds to help me cope. but does it ever get easier?
His 5th year death anniversary was a few days ago and I cried so much.
I still can't believe he is gone, forever. How do you cope?”
~Anonymous