Comments for Stunned By Grief

Comment on Mother’s Day — Can Joy and Grief Live Together? by admin

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:07:26 +0000

Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for your kind message! I’m very grateful that my book has helped you, and I appreciate your letting me know. You words mean a great deal to me.

I’m sorry for all of the deep losses you’ve experienced, especially in such a short period of time. So many painful losses are even more difficult and challenging to cope with–yet you sound as though you’re taking some very positive actions. I know the journey is not easy, but God is faithful, and He will see you through. God bless you and keep you especially close.

Hugs,
Judy

Comment on Mother’s Day — Can Joy and Grief Live Together? by Anna

Anna — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:52:55 +0000

Dear Judy,
Thank you for all that you do to educate and support people who are grieving. I recently ran across your book at the library and plan to purchase my own copy. It has been a tremendous comfort to me. This was my first Mother’s Day without my Mom since she passed last May 26. I spent it by going to a church that she loved and joined their choir as I am a singer.

My father and brother also passed away 2 years apart on the same day, within the last several years. It truly has been a challenge to carry on. I’m still in the process of “remapping” my life and will be for some time. I just wanted to say a heart felt THANK YOU!! The hope in your book is just one of the many things that I love about it.

Best to you and yours,
Anna M.

Comment on When Tragedy and Grief Devastate You, What Do You Do? by admin

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:17:04 +0000

Thanks so much, Randy, for stopping by to read my blog–and I appreciate your kind words of encouragement! I’m really glad you’ve found value in the articles.
Blessings,
Judy

Comment on When Tragedy and Grief Devastate You, What Do You Do? by Randy Mitchell

Randy Mitchell — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:08:01 +0000

Terrific article, Judy. You offer wonderful insights and advice on what to do after tragedy strikes. I always enjoy your articles!

Comment on When Tragedy and Grief Devastate You, What Do You Do? by admin

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:49:02 +0000

Thank you so much for reading the article–and for your kind words. I so respect you and your work, and your words mean more to me than you can know.
Warmly,
Judy

Comment on When Tragedy and Grief Devastate You, What Do You Do? by Marty Tousley (@GriefHealing)

Marty Tousley (@GriefHealing) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:03:14 +0000

Wise words, and beautifully stated, Judy. Thank you for this! ♥

Comment on Is Grief Healing Possible for Everyone? by admin

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:07:27 +0000

Thank you, Flora, for stopping by to read the article and share your thoughts!

Such misunderstanding surrounds the subject of grief. Many people don’t realize that they have to make decisions that affect their healing and their grief journey. Unfortunately, healing does not just happen automatically. Learning about grief helps people know what they can do. It’s why I keep writing and talking about it!!

I appreciate your support and your kind words!

Blessings,
Judy

Comment on Is Grief Healing Possible for Everyone? by Flora Morris Brown

Flora Morris Brown — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:50:40 +0000

Hi Judy,

Thanks for stressing that healing from grief is available but we have after it. No matter how much we are in pain, we must initiate the move toward healing.

Each time I’ve grieved–for my husband, mother, sister, etc.–it has been different, but I let myself feel it and then began the healing process.

I appreciate the work that you’re doing to help us through this unthinkable period of our lives.

Comment on Is Grief Healing Possible for Everyone? by admin

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:47:00 +0000

Yes, Elaine, I also believe that each person’s pathway to healing is unique–and sometimes that pathway takes us in a different direction than we think! I identify with your experience. I kept some old friends but found that I had to form new friendships and completely re-develop a social life. Before long, a social life with your married friends no longer works. I was torn between wanting to create a new, happy life and longing for the life I no longer had. It sounds as though you really did things right–by allowing yourself to full grieve but also trying to fully live as best you could. That railroad track concept really is the way life is, too. At any given time, we have very good things happening alongside tragic things; happy with sad; energizing along with challenging.

Yes, the path of grief is difficult, but we can make it and create a happy life again when we just keep putting one foot in front of the other one and keep moving, even though at times the going is slow.

Thank you ever so much for your support of me and my writing. I truly appreciate you, and I love reading what you write. Thank you for being willing to share your thoughts and experience because we can all learn from and support one another.

Blessings,
Judy

Comment on Is Grief Healing Possible for Everyone? by Elaine Mansfield

Elaine Mansfield — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:28:52 +0000

I completely agree and find that the pathway to healing is unique for everyone. First I tried volunteering at Head Start. All those little joyful ones should make me happy, right? They made me sadder and I wanted to escape. When I experimented with volunteering at Hospice, I found a community that knew how to be with grief and let it transform and open their hearts. I could be sad and still help in the office and later with bereavement and in a few years use my skills to lead bereavement groups.

I wrote my story and still do. I kept old friends but also found new ones who could share my single life. I had to unearth the part of me that wanted to create a happy life, even when I longed for my old one. I let myself grieve fully, and at the same time I tried to live fully. Often difficult, but one day at a time, one year after the other, I’ve come a long way.

Thanks for your great grief support.
With appreciation,
Elaine

Comment on Is It Possible to Take a Break from Grief? by admin

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:06:22 +0000

I agree with everything you’ve said, Lesley. Taking a break is not the same as going into complete denial–it’s just a healthy break from the intensity of grief. Absolutely, grief needs to be faced, experienced, and worked through, but not constantly without any relief, as you mentioned.

Thank you for reading the article and sharing your thoughts! And thank you for your kind comment.

Warmly,
Judy

Comment on Is It Possible to Take a Break from Grief? by Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:40:17 +0000

I agree it is so important to allow ourselves to focus on something different and positive. It’s impossible to grieve 24/7 in any case, and so healthy to concentrate on other people, friends, family or activites. Of course, it should be mentioned that this is not the same as going into complete denial. Grief needs to be faced, and experienced, and worked through, but not every minute of every day.

Thanks for the thought provoking article.
Lesley

Comment on Is It Possible to Take a Break from Grief? by admin

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:03:12 +0000

I totally agree, Gale! Taking a break doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or expensive–just something that feeds your soul, rests your body, and diverts your attention.

Thanks so much for reading the article and sharing your thoughts!!

Blessings,
Judy

Comment on Is It Possible to Take a Break from Grief? by Gale Massey

Gale Massey — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:11:53 +0000

Taking a break from grief is useful and well-advised. If you can’t get out of town try a novel and a day on the sofa. Good reminder.

Comment on Is It Possible to Take a Break from Grief? by admin

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:21:31 +0000

Thanks so much for your message, Marty! And thank you for sharing the article on your network. Your blog post is a wonderful addition to this one, so I’m going to link to it from mine. Thank you for sharing it with me!!
Warmly,
Judy