[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]M[/dropcap2]y dad passed away during Spring Break when I was a sophomore in high school. When we arrived for the memorial service, the sidewalks on both sides of the funeral home were packed with dozens of my friends. I locked eyes with many of them on the way in. A hand slipped into mine. An arm went around my shoulder.
I remember it vividly, over 35 years later. It still brings a lump to my throat.
No one said a word. They didn’t need to. They chose to simply be with me in my grief.
There are people who will stand with us. They feel our suffering. There are no words for such things.
The holidays are tough. Memories swirl around us like a mini-tornado. Can Christmas possibly be good this year?
Yes, it can. Safe people can make all the difference. We need safe people in whose presence we can grieve – people who will meet us where we are and walk with us through this dark valley. They don’t need to say a word.
Having people who will serve us with their presence is part of good grief – grief that heals.
GOOD GRIEF PRINCIPLE: Presence matters. We need safe people to be with us in our grief.
Want to know more about how to make these holidays work for you? Check out Surviving the Holidays without You. You’ll be glad you did.
Take yourself seriously. Go now and subscribe to the Good Grief Mini-Course . It’s free and will help you tackle the issues you’re facing. Don’t wait. Take the next step of healing now.
