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What has helped you feel less alone in your grief?
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
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@dawn_giacabazi I have passed her message on to others who have experienced miscarriage, and in one case the loss of a young child from cancer. I always tell them that it was a loving message from my Mother-in-law, that gave me comfort at a time when I was drowning in grief. It was a light at the end of a long dark tunnel of grief, the knowledge that God was now holding my child in his loving arms until I could get there. I’m not sure how much this message helped them, because as you said, each person grieves differently. I also want to say that people forget that the father who suffered this loss, is also grieving and in need of support. A lot of people focused on my loss, not realizing that he was mourning as well.
@pml I am sure your dear husband is watching over you today. I was my husband's caregiver and I too have things to catch up on...windows, cupboards, etc. I've started tackling a few things,but then I cry. I miss him so. God will give you the strength you need to get through your day. Peace to you.
@catherine55
Thank you for your kind words and on today of all days too! You are right. God is giving me the strength to get through today as he always does. I'm so sorry about the loss of your husband. It's very hard but God will be there for you also. We will both be reunited with our husbands eventually in Heaven in God's time. It's hard being left behind. However, keep praying and cleaning. It helps! If you need to talk, I have time.
God Bless You!
PML
@pml Reading this exchange between the two of you reminds me how meaningful it is when people who truly understand grief encourage one another. Thank you both for sharing your hearts.
If you could offer one piece of encouragement to someone who is newly grieving today, what would it be? I think your words could become a real source of hope for someone who needs them. 💜
No one understands unless you have been through saying good bye to your husband. I am so sorry I know the pain is so intense.
@dawn_giacabazi
I would suggest that they talk to God and ask for his help in dealing with this sad and difficult time. Also to remember that their loved one is up in Heaven and that they will be reunited with them eventually in God's time. Even though it's difficult being left behind it will end.
Plus I would suggest they reach out to the Mayo Clinic Connect and share their grief and ask for guidance in dealing with it. Mayo has the nicest, most caring people on it. They will keep you from feeling so alone.
I'm also available for anyone who needs to talk. I have plenty of time these days and would welcome a new friend!
PML
@pml One thing I've learned through leading grief support groups is that healing doesn't usually happen all at once. It often comes one small step at a time, one conversation at a time, and one day at a time. Reading stories like yours reminds me how much hope we can give one another simply by sharing what has helped us. Thank you for being willing to do that. 💜