Someone you love has died or you probably wouldn’t be here right now on this page in the Loving Farewells blog.

I know these are difficult times for you. It can be very hard to survive the days and nights of grief when you feel weakened, un-done, and so un-grounded or off-kilter. It’s hard to function when your heart is broken and you are in emotional and, possibly, even physical pain.

You may not be feeling quite yourself right now and the world around you may not look or feel the same as it did before your loved one died. Perhaps you are having trouble concentrating, remembering and focusing. You may not trust yourself too much right now either. Perhaps you have acted in ways that are different for you. Maybe you have thought or said some things that have surprised or even shocked you.

Grief is a process that will continue to unfold in your life for awhile. The experience of grieving for a loved one is common to all of us. But the specifics of your grief will be unique to you. No two people have ever grieved in the same way. So it won’t work too well if you try to model your grief like you have seen other people grieve.

You will discover how to meet and experience your grief in a way that suits you. This will happen even though right now you might not be able to imagine how you can face the rest of your life. Being patient, trusting and having faith are attitudes that will help you.

Death is shocking to everyone – including you. You are in a period of life’s transition and although you know when it began you probably have not a clue as to when it might end. You might even have a fear the pain in your life might not ever end.

Here is a message of hope: You will begin to feel better, eventually, in the days ahead of you. Taking life a day at a time now will be helpful.

If you are hopeless about your future, you are feeling a natural reaction in grief. If you are feeling afraid about grieving or about the rest of your life, let me encourage you. As a griever you deserve help and support – this is a tender and important time in your life. I congratulate you for seeking support on the Internet. I’m glad that, in the midst of the many many choices the Internet offers, you found Loving Farewells. Information is here to support, encourage and educate you.

Here is a second message of hope for you: You can do this, you can survive, and you can also thrive. I know you can.

I am sorry for your loss. I am sorry you are hurting. Take good care of yourself, be brave and re-visit the Loving Farewells blog often.

Sincerely sending you Peace & Love,

Tricia