DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG IS ABOUT GRIEF AND TRAUMA*
Hello Dawnettes & Fam,
This blog comes to you after a very tragic event has happened to my family. In particular, my daughter. The only reason I'm sharing this personal event is that I believe it's important to show that through resilience, strength, time and love can help in situations that are still dealing with the passing of a loved one.
Grief: deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.
"she was overcome with grief"
synonyms: sorrow, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, agony, torment, affliction, suffering, heartache, heartbreak, broken-heartedness, heaviness of heart, woe, desolation, despondency, dejection, despair, angst, mortification
I can tell you that every word in the definition stated above I've felt in the past month and watching someone have an unexplainable pain or anguish makes it almost unbearable. The sadness that accompanies this particular death brought those around me to the breaking point. From my partner to my other two children.
There was an outpouring of love and empathy. On the other hand, it seemed as if it was too hard for people to convey what they felt. Some didn't even know what to say or what do at a time like this.
Let me give you some advice, to those of you that may not know what to say or how to react to a person dealing with grief and loss.
Just listen👂. Really listen, without replying. Offer a meal, babysitting {if the individual has children}, maybe even booking a room for a few days so "they" have a quiet place to reflect or just to get away. Offering condolences is wonderful, but truthfully, your friends or loved ones need support in areas you wouldn't normally think of. That's where you will make a difference. That's where you are appreciated because you thought outside the box.
And please for goodness sake, follow up people!!!!!😔
Grief doesn't have a time period. Check up on them and make sure they've eaten or had a bath/shower. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me you have made a difference with just a simple follow up phone call.💓
In the past, I've dealt with my trauma with therapy and sharing my experience. It almost seems trivial at this point. But, I definitely have a different perspective on my life and the people in my life.
I want to thank everyone who lovingly helped my daughter and her boyfriend. I want to thank my family and friends for what they were able to provide in the midst of this.
And I want to hug and uplift my partner. She shared the experience with me while dealing with life and regular duties at home while grieving on her own.
To my daughter-
I love you💖 and as you try to navigate and find your way out of this storm, know you have people rooting for you and love you unconditionally.
Be well,
D.
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS*
What I listened to while I wrote this blog
Could've Been H.E.R Piano Cover
