1. < Loss & Grief
Profile picture for Dawn, Alumni Mentor

What has helped you feel less alone in your grief?

Posted by Dawn, Alumni Mentor @dawn_giacabazi, Jul 27 9:55am

Grief has a way of making us feel as though we're walking a road no one else can truly understand.
Years ago, during one of the darkest seasons of my own life, I found Mayo Clinic Connect while searching for someone who simply understood. I wasn't looking for someone to fix my pain—I just needed to know I wasn't alone.
That experience has stayed with me ever since.
Today, after many years of walking alongside patients and families through hospice care and grief support, I still believe one of the greatest gifts we can offer one another is simply our presence. We don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes just knowing someone is willing to listen makes all the difference.
I'd love to hear your story.
What has helped you through your grief?
What words or acts of kindness made you feel less alone?
Is there something you wish others understood about grieving?
Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, your experience matters. Someone reading your words today may find the hope or understanding they've been searching for.
As I've come to believe through my own journey:
We don't have to walk this journey alone.
Wrapping you in prayers, Dawn

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Loss & Grief Support Group.

Profile picture for sillyblone
sillyblone | @sillyblone | 5 hours ago
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@sillyblone Thank you for trusting us with such a tender memory. I could feel the love..." + (show)
Profile picture for Dawn, Alumni Mentor @dawn_giacabazi

@sillyblone Thank you for trusting us with such a tender memory. I could feel the love you had for your husband in every word—fixing his hair, washing his face, gently caring for him, talking to him, praying for him and telling him how deeply he was loved.
Through my years of walking alongside families at the end of life and in grief support, I've learned that sometimes there isn't anything left for us to fix. What remains is presence—loving, talking, touching, praying, and simply being there. Those things may seem small, but they are acts of tremendous love.
And now you are carrying not only the grief of losing your husband, but your brother as well. Please give yourself grace as you walk through these very early days. There is no timetable you have to meet.
When you think about your husband today, is there a favorite memory of the two of you that brings even the smallest smile through the tears?
Wrapping you in prayer. 💜

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi Yes he was a wonderful husband, friend and always had my back, as I always had his! I am dealing with bits a pieces of this journey to be without my spouse and my brother! But I am trying to surround myself with people I love and have my back! It will never replace them both ! It gives me peace that is ok to cry and love him from a distance! I don’t think I ever will meet anyone like him! I am sad but not defeated if that makes sense! Again thank you! First , you acknowledge me and your empathy was apparent and appreciated! 💞

REPLY
Profile picture for sillyblone
sillyblone | @sillyblone | 4 hours ago
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@sillyblone Thank you for trusting us with such a tender memory. I could feel the love..." + (show)
Profile picture for Dawn, Alumni Mentor @dawn_giacabazi

@sillyblone Thank you for trusting us with such a tender memory. I could feel the love you had for your husband in every word—fixing his hair, washing his face, gently caring for him, talking to him, praying for him and telling him how deeply he was loved.
Through my years of walking alongside families at the end of life and in grief support, I've learned that sometimes there isn't anything left for us to fix. What remains is presence—loving, talking, touching, praying, and simply being there. Those things may seem small, but they are acts of tremendous love.
And now you are carrying not only the grief of losing your husband, but your brother as well. Please give yourself grace as you walk through these very early days. There is no timetable you have to meet.
When you think about your husband today, is there a favorite memory of the two of you that brings even the smallest smile through the tears?
Wrapping you in prayer. 💜

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi Actually I realized that I didn’t answer your last question ! I remember the first time we kissed and I was amazed how much I had fallen for him! He was a tender hearted and loved to make me feel like a queen! He seemed to be very good at planning and it was most always a surprise! You know how some men dip you down to kiss you! That was my first kiss ! Another would be our wedding! He thought of everything just like my Mom! I think they were talking to each other more than I realized! He carried me up the stairs in our apartment and was everything was perfect! I felt like the luckiest woman in the world! There were many other moments of course! 💕🫂

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.