holding emotions in because they feel HUGE and like if you start feeling you will never stop.... to me is a trap. In my experience, it only feels so HUGE because you are holding it all in. Once you start sobbing it takes some of the pressure off and things can start to move and heal. Kids who see their parents stuff their emotions learn that stuffing emotions is the way to deal with them. Be your whole self with them is my 2 cents.

The stages of grief come and go in no predictable order. We have free grief counceling at our local hospital. best to you.