Debra Isert,
Palliative Care Coordinator, [780] 523-6438.

All of us need some guidance through the dark tunnel of grief:

* Give yourself time to grieve. Grief does not neatly end when you return to work, or after two weeks or two months, as friends and family members may think it should. The most honest answer is, “It will take as long as it takes.”

Time is different for everyone because grief is as unique as the individual going through it, and it is almost always longer than one would expect. Time alone does not bring healing for grief. It’s what you do with that time that makes the difference.

* Share your grief with people who understand. One of the most healing gifts you can give yourself is to share your thoughts and emotions with people who care and understand.

* Allow healing tears to flow. The ability to cry is one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind. Tears are as natural as laughter and just as healing.

* Be good to yourself. Grief takes a toll on the entire body, mind, and soul. It is critical that you take good care of yourself. Jean Jones wrote, “Cry when you have to and laugh when you can.”

* Make use of your spiritual supports. Death is nearly always a time of grappling with spiritual issues. Some people’s faith is strengthened during a time of loss; while others feel abandoned by God. Share with God your sorrow and anguish, and prayers of praise and thanksgiving will one day return to your heart.

* Take heart. Tom Mozley wrote, “To be human is to suffer loss. To lose is to grieve. To grieve is to heal. Grace and power to you in leaning into and moving through that painful process.”