This idea of the "stages of grief" being some kind of linear step-by-step process is completely out-dated. The new theory is that grief is more circular. You may have intense grief...it lightens...then you may go back into heavy grief again at a later date. You circle around as many times as it takes to incorporate the loss.


The idea of "moving on" irritates me. Grieving isn't a project. It's a life experience.


I always say, "Grief is love." There is nothing wrong with it and everything right about it.


It took me seven years until I stopped thinking about my Mom every day. But I was very young when I lost her and I had no counseling. I was able to function okay from the start. I had to work and went back full-time the day after the funeral. I had beautiful, sensitive co-workers who honored my loss. I was engaged and got married that year and it was so difficult with my Mom absent that we kept the ceremony and after party very small and simple...just a few close friends. The grief came back hard when I had my baby and knew my Mom never would be a grandmother to my children. Luckily I had an angel of a mother-in-law who was a great Grandmom


I lost my sister three years ago and I feel it the most around holidays because she was a beautiful holiday elf. I miss her cards, letters, and gifts. I often cannot believe she is gone and I will even say it aloud, "My sister is dead," and I will feel really, really sad. She was my only sister. I miss her.