Grief

Grief is REAL.
It is STRONG. 
It is the price we pay for loving those who are no longer with us.
It is normal.
The only cure for grief is to GRIEVE.

It is okay to not be okay.
There will be good days and there will be bad days.
The pain, the sadness, the loss does not go away. Grief changes, depending on the day, the year, the memory but it will always be with you in one way or another.

It is messy. 
It is isolating. 
It is maddening.
It is painful.
There is only one finish line to grief.

It takes courage to go on. To get up each morning. To put on a happy face. To live without someone you love.

To try to mend that gaping hole in your heart.

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief

1. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
3. I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in anyway I can.
4. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
5. My favorite memory of your loved one is…
6. I am always just a phone call away
7. Give a hug instead of saying something
8. We all need help at times like this, I am here for you
9. I am usually up early or late, if you need anything
10. Saying nothing, just be with the person

 

You don't back away from a hurting friend.
You don't tell them that they are grieving wrong. There is NO wrong way to grieve.

You show up. You hurt with them. You hurt for them. You see when they are in pain. You try to bind their wounds. You are THERE - in the trenches of grief with them.

That is LOVE. That is healing. That is the only security blanket there is in a midst of pain.