An introduction to Life and Death
Bereavement is a fact of life. In the typical life cycle most Americans, losses will occur for one reason or another. Yet strangely, grief is denied by most of us until we are confronted head-on with a loss of our own. If we form attachments to family members, friends, spouses, homes, jobs we will eventually have to relinquish that person or thing to whom we have become attached. Letting go represents the ultimate pain of grief.
Grief is inordinately lonely and the pain is torturous. nonetheless, many bereaved continue to suffer through their losses with little support or acknowledgement of their emptiness. In the past, families took care of their own and abided by specific funeral rituals, primarily because they lived closer to one another and could easily offer their support and concern.
Families today, however, are more scattered. After the grave side service, families disperse, they return to their homes, jobs, and private lives. As a result, the bereaved are left to deal with their grief alone and their channels of support are limited.
The grief process comprises a series of phases which will discussed later in the web presentation.
The motivation to move to the next phase, to cross the bridge and go forward, is an important element of bereavement. Grieve your way. Cross these bridges as they become safe to you.