August 30th was National Grief Awareness Day. This day serves as a reminder that the grief from loss has no particular path or end time. And understanding this will help us better help each other.
Chances are you know someone in your family or community who is grieving for the loss of someone or something. And many times, closure doesn’t come when or how others think it should or might.
Grief is personal. And it shouldn’t be minimized.
The experience of a void in one’s life is different for everyone. Losing a limb, breast, friend, family member, or even a job triggers sadness and grief.
Like others, I’m still grieving over the old happy-go-lucky days—the pre-pandemic, normal lifestyle. Remember when we used to be able to read lips and smile like the morning sun? And we would compliment each other about a certain lipstick color or gloss. Those days are gone. I can’t read anyone’s lips or determine if they’re wearing Mac, Cover Girl, or some other lipstick.
Wearing a mask may cramp our style, but it keeps us safe from contracting the virus. I’m coping with hidden lips and smiles—it’s the new normal.
But grieving over things or a lifestyle is very different from losing someone close to us. A week ago, a friend and church member passed. I will miss her warm, encouraging, and joyful spirit, along with her testimonies of God’s love.
Whether the grief is due to the loss of someone or something, both require adjusting and coping with a void in our lives.
And what about grieving for people we don’t know. Six hundred thousand plus people have died from the deadly coronavirus. And people continue to die. Our hearts grieve for the impacted families.
I need not mention the devastation and loss of life this year due to fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
And wasn’t it heartbreaking that 13 American soldiers were killed during America’s mission to evacuate its citizens and free Afghan friends from Afghanistan? And the innocent Afghans killed during the blast were also a terrible tragedy.
You’re grieving. I’m grieving. America is grieving. We’re all grieving in some form or fashion for someone or something.
I know grief isn’t a happy topic. And people who are grieving feel alone and depressed. But grieving is natural, and there is no need to feel embarrassed.
Grieving isn’t a sign of weakness, but it’s an expression of love and compassion for others.
But grief is a burden.
Grief is a burden that I ask God to take. And He takes the burden when I give it to Him.
When my sister and brother died, there was a stone in my heart. Every morning when my foot hit the floor, I felt this stone. As the days passed and I prayed and praised God, the stone became smaller. And one day, it was gone.
I no longer carry these burdens of grief, and now my memories of them are joyful.
We can and should help one another doing times of grief. The following are a few ways we can help each other.
Be a good listener.
Let the griever know they’re not alone.
Make thoughtful gestures to let them know you care.
We all must remember that it’s okay to seek help when bereaved. Obtaining support to maintain good mental health is a vital part of self-care or taking care of oneself.
Remember, you’re not alone.
Stay safe.