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
be sure to take advantage of help offered, and to ask for help needed in the coming days, weeks and months
Oh, that is wonderful advice!!! We need each other.
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
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
Christa, we’re so sorry for the loss of your Dad (temporarily, thankfully!). Hugs from Roy and me, Sarah
Thank you so much. Yes, praise God it is temporary!!!! Hugs back <3
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!
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.
More of Dad’s story is on my facebook page, public profile, for those who are interested. The local paper printed a wonderful article.