Grief, due to the loss of a loved one, is experienced by everyone at some point in their life.  Known as bereavement, this unfortunate but inevitable form of grief is a shared, universal experience. Someone much wiser than me said, “One of the hardest things about life is death.” If you have been fortunate enough to have lived and loved, then, like me, I’m sure this quote resonates in your core.  The pain of losing a loved one is undeniable and for many it is also tangible, felt throughout the body.

While everyone grieves differently, depending on their cultural norms and religious traditions, there are some universal truths. In an article written by Sivan Hermon, a leadership coach, she explains some of these universal truths: “There is no timeline for grief, and no way to fully prepare for someone’s death. There is also no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s also important to note that all feelings surrounding loss are valid and important, so don’t beat yourself up no matter how you’re feeling.”

I’m not sure if this qualifies as a universal truth but I think it is incredibly important to understand that no one has to grieve alone. Grief support groups are available, many at no cost, both in-person and virtually through churches, civic organizations, counseling centers, and hospice organizations. There are five recognized stages of grief that most people walk through but at least, with support, we don’t have to journey alone.

The five stages of grief are:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

There are many resources that can help make sense of the intense feelings that are experienced when a death occurs, including an article entitled, “How To Deal With Grief”. Some of the best advice that I received encouraged me to take care of myself and allow time to take its course. Also, while grieving it is important to eat well, remember to take your medications and get sufficient sleep. When my mother died, I reminded myself of her bigger-than-life personality, her wonderful sense of humor and her zest for life. After the sadness passed, in honor of my remarkable mother, I committed myself to following in her footsteps, honoring her legacy and living my life to the fullest!