The After Loss Credo

A note: I have started a new class, to help work through my grief. It is a national program, Grief Share. I may be sharing some things I'm given there and incorporating some of the "homework" into posts in the coming weeks. This was given out tonight. I really liked it, and wanted to share it:

The After Loss Credo

I need to talk about my loss.

I may often need to tell you what happened

or to ask you why it happened.

Each time I discuss my loss, I am helping myself

face the reality of the death of my loved one.

I need to know that you care about me.

I need to feel your touch, your hugs.

I need you just to be with me.

(And I need to be with you.)

I need you to believe in me and in my 

ability to get through my grief in my own way.

(And in my own time.)

Please don't judge me now

or think that I'm behaving strangely.

Remember I'm grieving.

I may be in shock.

I may be afraid. I feel deep rage.

I may even feel guilty. But above all I hurt.

I'm experiencing a pain unlike any I've ever felt before.

Don't worry if you think I'm getting better

and then suddenly I seem to slip backward.

Grief makes me behave this way at times.

And please don't tell me you, "know how I feel"

or that it's time for me to get on with my life.

(I am probably already saying this to myself.)

What I need now is time to grieve and to recover.

Most of all, thank you for being my friend.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for helping, for understanding.

Thank you for praying for me.

And remember, in the days or years ahead,

after your loss-when you need me

as I have needed you-I will understand.

And then I will come and be with you.

By: Barbara Hills LesStrang