Allow Yourself to Grieve

By Lee Barringer

Grief is a difficult journey for all of us, it is also a universal reaction we experience for having loved and been loved.  In his book “A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis, his first entry is “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid.”

When someone we love dies, we start recounting their story and how it helped form our own values and beliefs, we do this privately for the most part, but sometimes publicly with family and friends. Some will share these special memories in the form of a Eulogy or within the Obituary Notice.

In this time of refection, we often discover how much we are all so multi-faceted, we not only have many sides, but also many chapters within our lives. Therefore, we will always be different things to different people. A protector to some, a teacher, a lover, a confidant, or a joker. So, when we hear the tragic news of a loss, everyone is essentially mourning someone slightly different than you.

Therefore, some act of remembrance, or a time of reflection is important. As it allows each of us the opportunity to move forward through our grief, and not simply try to walk around it.

The act of remembrance and giving thanks for our loved one can be the simple act of lighting a candle and reminiscing over photo albums or posting a meaningful story to social media. It can also include planning a meaningful private, or public gathering.

There is no right or wrong way, but allow yourself to grieve, as it’s the exchange we all make for having loved and been loved. 

Branch & Pyre Cremation Care

Winnipeg’s Simple, Direct Cremation Experts

branchandpyre.com