Today, let’s talk about “Grief and Bereavement” which is something that is overlooked in many ways.

 

The Best Teacher in Life is Experience. ~ Lebron James

 

Those words may not mean anything to you or sound hollow unless you have had the experience of going through what is called grief or bereavement.

 

Grief and bereavement are related to loss, but they are not the same thing.

 

Introduction to Grief & Bereavement.pdf

 

Grief is an emotional reaction to loss.

 

Bereavement is the objective fact that someone we care about has passed away.

 

With that said, when was the last time you assisted someone going through grief or bereavement?

 

I believe it’s important to understand how to provide the proper level of empathy, not sympathy unless you have walked in that person’s shoes.

 

I know from personal experience that preparing for someone’s death, especially any family member is a tough task knowing they are enrolled in Hospice.

 

The quote by Lebron James “The Best Teacher in Life is Experience” has allowed me to see various perspectives related to grief and bereavement.

 

What about you?

 

Every day we don’t necessarily wake up and think about the mortality rate of deaths that occur in this world.

 

Not to mention the families that are going through both grief and bereavement on different levels.

 

How Many People Die Each Day in 2024?

 

7 Stages of Grief: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Loss | A Simplified Psychology Guide

 

Both grief and bereavement have no exact date when they will end.

 

How long does grief last? | Bereavement Support | Sue Ryder

 

It is important to note that finding the proper words for a grieving family is important.

 

5 Things Not to Say When Someone Dies | Psychology Today

 

“Compassion in Words: What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving” – The Hope Kit

 

A few months ago, I recalled receiving a text message that was followed up by a phone call when I received notification from one of my former Soldiers who was grieving the loss of his only son, his name’s sake.

 

His son was shot and killed in the Dorm room which was a shocking or an egregious mistake.

 

Today we celebrate the anniversary of the deaths of those we have lost which were an important season in our lives.

 

Every old thing was once new.

 

Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.”

 

I have learned that mourning is the natural process you go through to accept a major loss; however, I also know each of us mourns differently.

 

Today, I challenge you to take some time and reflect on those in your life who played an important part in the seasons they were with you.

 

I have four quotes each having a different meaning for you to discern today.

“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built, or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touches some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there.” ~ Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

 

“We do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit of those we have loved and lost – they live within our souls in some perfect sanctuary which even death cannot destroy.” ~ Nan Witcomb

 

“Look closely and you will see almost everyone carrying bags of cement on their shoulders. That’s why it takes courage to get out of bed in the morning and climb into the day.” ~ Edward Hirsch

 

“And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed.  We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.” ~ Maya Angelou