The Many Losses of a Grieving Person

The Many Losses of a Grieving Person

The loss of a loved one is tremendous. It is the greatest loss.  Yet, there are other, smaller but significant losses that often follow a person in grief.

There is the common experience of a period of hibernation or withdrawal from normal social activities. But, bereavement sometimes changes our orientation to society altogether and without our permission. Widowers who used to find themselves often out with other couples may suddenly find themselves neglected. For many bereaved people company decreases or evaporates altogether.

The truth is, it is hard work to grieve and it is hard to be with grievers – not hard in the sense of impossible, but in the very real sense that loss is the most uncomfortable thing we experience. The task of navigating ever and fast-changing emotions is beyond tricky and a task that must be met with understanding for all parties involved.

There are many friendships that do not pass the test of grief and many grievers who experience an unwanted refining fire that reveals the true friendships of their life. Time and healing can revive lesser friendships, but grief has a way of laser-pointing the people who best love us.

Not all is loss …

I’ve entitled this post the “many losses of a grieving person” – and to be sure I couldn’t list them all. But I think there is also a singular, tremendous blessing in seeing with clarity where you are loved and treasured. At times it may feel like only your dog is there for you, or perhaps just a handful of friends. These ties will endure in their meaning and be tremendous sources of strength even when they are no longer the only sources.

How to navigate …

  • Do not despair but have patience. You are not as alone as you think and that will become clear.
  • Leave behind the relationships that no longer serve. Mourn them, but don’t torture or be tortured.
  • Have boundaries. There will be helpers, wanted and some possibly unwanted. Just because someone has good intentions does not mean thoughtless remarks or actions need to be continually endured.
  • Carry kindness. Hold on to this as tightly for yourself as you do for others.

Grief’s first steps are wrought with loss of unexpected kinds. Being aware of the difficulty of what you’re doing and knowing others will struggle to be in this with you can be incredibly helpful to understand. Having compassion for yourself and those walking (or crawling) along with you, will not be something you regret.

Molly Keating
Molly Keating
Hello! I'm Molly and I run & manage the Blog here at O'Connor. I grew up in a mortuary with a mortician for a father who's deep respect for the profession inspired me to give working at a mortuary a try. Work at O'Connor has brought together two of my deep passions, writing & grief awareness. In 2016 I earned Certification in the field of Thanatology, the study of Death, Dying and Bereavement. I am honored to be able to speak on these taboo topics with knowledge, compassion, and a unique perspective. I want to sincerely thank you for following & reading the blog, I hope that this is a healing place for you.

7 Comments

  1. Sandra Lee says:

    ‘love and needed this so much right now; thank you

    • Molly Keating says:

      Thank you for reading, Sandra. I’m so glad (but also very sorry) that you found this helpful. You are not alone <3

  2. Betty Fassett says:

    Thank you that was very helpful

  3. Chuck Ricciardi says:

    Hi Molly, you always have a way of speaking gently but with conviction on the tough topic of grief and grieving. I know it is helpful for me and I’m sure for so many others as well Thank you.

  4. Ann Marie Petricca says:

    I lost twins due to premature birth in 2013
    I lost my relationship afterwards. My dad died in 2018 and my mom last June. I have a counselor and work with her weekly
    This week has been awful thinking of mother’s day. I have a sister and her two sons I was extremely close with for 10 years. She no longer speaks to me. I miss her and her boys so much. I miss her husband too. He died in September of 2018 after diagnosis of bile duct cancer in may.
    Payers please. I am very lonely tonight.
    Annm

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