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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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@njed
I am sitting here laughing about the fitted sheet! I am 82 year old female and I have king sheets. It never seems to get easy.
I love your attitude. You are doing all the right things!
Best wishes, Eileen
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1 ReactionTalking to people whether it is a friend, neighbor, or in a grief group. I appreciate when people just listen and quietly acknowledge my feelings. I lost my husband exactly 6 weeks ago and although it was expected, the finality of it has hit me hard.
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2 Reactions@eileen11108 So, here is what I do now. Sheets come out of the dryer, get rolled up in a ball and I head right to the bedroom and make the bed. No folding. I know my wife would not like this since I must have about 5 sets of bed sheets but for now this works for me. I'll figure out the folding process later and rotate them some other day.
@franeteller Very sorry to hear about husband. I have found a grief group is helpful talking to others experiencing the same as you. I did one in person mixed group men and women, and currently I do one on-line for men. Wish you comfort on your grief journey. Stay well.
It’s been 18 months since my husband of 50 years passed. We were in the middle of a move which compounded my feelings of loss. God blessed me by providing me a home in a 55 plus community where I met so many beautiful women who had walked the same journey. They were God’s instruments in blessing me. God has held me all the way every moment of every day. . I think a small part of us thinks this day will never really come or it seems so far away but then it’s here and the pain is so real and deeper than we ever imagined. I pray every day for those who are grieving. God bless and comfort you all.
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1 ReactionI am 1 year out from my wife’s death. I speak to her about things going on and about my problems. I attended several in-person grief groups and one online which were very helpful. I was not a group person until I had to reach out. I talk with a grief counselor who has helped me through this. I also started talking by phone with family much more often. All of this has helped get me moving through my grief. It’s very difficult at first but gets better with time.
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1 Reaction@njed
You still have me laughing. That is exactly what I do. My plan is to use the same set of sheets until they wear out. I also have balance issues so it is hard making up a king bed. I am feeling my 82 years.
Have a good day. Eileen
@franeteller I just lost mine as well! He was laid to rest this week! The day before my brother died! I am really trying to not say why did this happen to him and my spouse! I know the medical part! But.. two men that I adore!!! I will be at his celebration of life soon! I am beyond sad but grateful they both are not suffering! I still want my spouses arms around me and hear him say that he loves me! But that cannot happen as I well know! I just hope that one day they find a cure for this horrible disease that has taken three men out of my life! I wish you the best and just know that I get it and hugs are coming your way!🫂💕
@sillyblone
My heart goes out to you and I’m sending you my heartfelt condolences. Sometimes I wonder how much we can take but somehow we deal with it ( in our own way). Obviously, we really have no other choice but to somehow deal with it. If I can ask, what disease took 3 special people from you? My husband had some medical problems but the biggest issue was his dementia which of course progressed to advanced dementia. Again, sending hugs, healing thoughts, and prayers your way.
@franeteller Parkinson’s!