Read on, and we think you might benefit from this collection of wise and timeless words. Quotes for Those Who Grieve Bring something. Food and flowers are always appreciated. Or some other items, like practical household necessities (does a grieving person shop for TP?) or a sympathy gift. Eat well. Avoid unhealthy foods because they may not support your energy levels the way you’ll need when you’re struggling with loss and grief. A good diet, above all, will keep you healthy and you’ll need all the natural energy you can muster at a time like this. G’s symptoms worsened when she began to be unfamiliar with who B was and other members of her wider family. This deterioration was a devastating loss for B and it was with a very heavy heart that B made the decision, that for G’s safety and welfare, she needed to move into residential care. This decision left B feeling guilty and alone, causing him to enter the fourth stage of grief, depression. He now lives alone, and he has lost his previous comfort. In fact, he feels like he’s already said goodbye to G, even though she is still very much alive. Let it come out in words and actions. While it’s ok to allow yourself a season of zero pressure, you also want to begin to express your grief in some form. Express your grief with words by talking to a friend or counselor, writing in a grief journal, or praying to God. You can also find ways to express your grief through tears, quiet contemplation, dealing with your loved one’s affairs, gathering photos and memories, and creating tributes.

Many of the grief quotes above will be ideal, but you also want to tailor what you say to the individual, their situation, and your relationship. Seated at the bar, this stranger beside me asked if I was “emerging”. I don’t recall my grief counsellor or clinical psychologist ever asking this. Mostly, people ask the perfunctory “how are you? ”– a question often predicated on an “I’m OK” response, even when you’re not. People mean well but most don’t know what to say to the bereaved. Many say nothing. People want us to be OK. They fear knowing the ugly reality of how we truly are, lest grief is contagious. Grief is uncomfortable, for everyone. Unflinching, tender and powerfully written; Pippa carefully takes readers by the hand on both a practical and emotionally raw journey dissecting the different aspects of baby loss. It's a truly eye-opening, eye-watering read and one I think anybody will learn from and be greatly moved by.Therefore, for anyone in a similar situation to J, where perhaps a loss is being hidden due to shame and fear, please confide in someone (this advice goes out to those in similar situations to J’s partner too, please don’t struggle in silence). Your grief deserves to be heard and understood, just as much as the painful feelings that someone experiences when bereaved. I encourage you to test your story out on someone you trust, perhaps with a friend, or perhaps with a healthcare professional or counsellor — where in both capacities, they are ethically bound to keep everything you share in confidence (unless there is an imminent risk to yourself or others). Strength is truly revealed by acting the right way at the right time. It takes more bravery to show your emotions than to hide them. It takes more confidence to reveal your weakness than to pretend indifference. In a word, to grieve well is to be emotionally strong. Similarly, to an individual’s response to when someone dies, J finds herself thrown into ‘The Stages of Grief’ model, first experiencing feelings of denial. She doesn’t want to believe what she is hearing, it can’t be true, surely? After several incredibly emotionally charged and difficult conversations with her partner, it’s confirmed. Finding a community that has experience and an understanding of the challenges and milestones unique to widowhood is truly a game-changer.

This book will be the friend to hold your hand while you navigate your own pathway of grief. I'm so glad it's here' Elle Wright Another important part of moving forward as a widow is rediscovering one’s sense of purpose. This can look different for each person but may involve volunteering, taking up a new hobby, pursuing further education or training, or starting a new career. Access to a private Facebook group where you can engage in your experiences of the monthly gatherings While grief is fresh, every attempt to divert only irritates. You must wait till grief be digested, and then amusement will dissipate the remains of it. – Samuel Johnson Call me by the old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7 Our lives were routine. There are good times, bad times, and difficult times. Amazing moments of joy, laughter, and love, as well as moments of sadness, stress, and anger. This is who we were the day before we lost our life partner. Sleep. Do your best to keep to your normal routine of sleeping. At first, you may need some assistance. For instance, try reading till you fall asleep, listening to a guided meditation to relax, or playing nature sounds while you are getting ready for bed. Natural sleep aids may be required. As a last resort, a sleeping pill. Sleep is necessary for coping with a significant loss. Not only is Beyond Grief incredibly moving, it's an important and useful tool for anyone whose life has been changed by pregnancy loss.