Time to Grieve

My Dad passed away on Friday, so I need some time to grieve. Not sure when I will blog again, we’ll see.

But today, I will share good advice given me by a number of friends this week, on grieving a death:

  • Give yourself time, as much time as you need.
  • Know that grief takes energy. Rest if needed (especially with chronic illness).
  • Sometimes grief can cause physical pain.
  • Cry when you need to.
  • Realize people grieve differently, even in the same family, and that’s okay.
  • Know the pain will get less.
  • Drink lots of water (with a dab of juice for electrolytes).  When my friend mentioned water, I suddenly realize my mind was so filled with grief, I was forgetting good things for my body, including drinking water.
  • It is okay to feel strongly two opposing emotions at the same time.
  • The feeling that you or your life will never be normal again–it will pass.
  • Your relationship with the one who passed away is NOT defined by the last week, last day, last hour, last conversation.  It is the whole relationship you had with them.
  • Go to God for comfort.

What is your advice for grief?

 

Christa Upton    Black Hills Picture Books    Edgemont, SD  57735

About Christa Upton

I am a wife and mother of three children ages 11, 14, and 18. I used to be a stay-at-home mom (teaching piano & dance, volunteering, etc). From 2007 to 2010, I suffered accidental Toxic Injury (also called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS). MCS has had major impact on our family, but the forced time in bed has given me time to write. So far, I have published 4 children's books (2 in e-book format on Kindle, one in Print-on-Demand at CreateSpace, and one printed by a local printer). Sometimes I miss my old life, but I love writing for children!
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9 Responses to Time to Grieve

  1. suz says:

    be sure to take advantage of help offered, and to ask for help needed in the coming days, weeks and months

  2. Bob Clark says:

    Christa, I read all the advice your close friends gave you and can tell you they are all true. I lost Linda a little over a year ago and received much of the same advice. There is one bit of advice I will tell you to ignore – “you will have to get over it” You loved your father what is there to get over? You don’t get over it you learn to live with it. The pain does go away. Love Bob Clark

    • Christa Upton says:

      Oh, my goodness, we’re so sorry to hear about Linda!!!! Hugs from all of us. Good to know the advice my friends gave is true. Thank you–I will take that to heart and ignore that advice. Good to know the pain does go away. Love, Christa & Steve

  3. Sarah says:

    Christa, we’re so sorry for the loss of your Dad (temporarily, thankfully!). Hugs from Roy and me, Sarah

  4. Sarah McCollum says:

    Christa, I just read the story of your Dad’s life. WOW! How blessed was your family, to have him, and how blessed were all who heard the gospel through your Dad as well!

    • Christa Upton says:

      We are so thankful. I couldn’t have asked for a better Dad. And what a legacy he left us. I am hoping to get some of his teachings up online somewhere so that people can continue to hear the gospel through them.

  5. Christa Upton says:

    More of Dad’s story is on my facebook page, public profile, for those who are interested. The local paper printed a wonderful article.

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