grief

Acquainted with grief

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He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…

Isaiah 53:3

I heard this verse last month at church and thought, “Wow, that describes my life in 2022.” You may recently become acquainted with grief too. I have an elderly friend whose husband passed away suddenly, a former student who lost a much anticipated pregnancy, a brother whose wife died, a sister and a friend who battled cancer, and I experienced the loss of a close relationship.

Through the grief, how did you cope? I leaned on my faith, books and close friends every day.

acquainted with grief
Journeying Through Grief booklets

Luckily, I was in a Bible study small group of about ten women who met weekly throughout the year. These “sisters” listened patiently and prayed for me. Norma even sent me personal notes and three Journeying Through Grief booklets by pastor and clinical psychologist Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk. Norma is a Stephen Minister volunteer at my church. Her timely personal notes and booklets brought me healing and strength.

The author’s note inside the first book reads, “You’ve received this book because someone cares about you. The person who gave it to you knows you’ve lost someone very dear to you. When you lose someone you love, you lose part of yourself. And that can hurt–deeply. I hope you will allow me to walk alongside you through your grief journey….”

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Grieving alone

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“Cremation has been completed.  A family gathering will be held on the east coast at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to local Loveland groups supporting the arts and those in need.  Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for on-line condolences.”

grieving alone
In Loving Memory – Marie Renner     1928-2017

My wonderful, loving, beautiful, sweet, caring, creative, friend Marie passed away on July 8th at the age of 89.  I read her obituary in the local paper a week later but was left with only sorrow at knowing I could not celebrate her life with her family and friends here locally.  She was a resident of Loveland for the past 27 years and was very involved in the community.

We were in a garden club, a book club and the New Friendships Club together.  She was like a mom to me; always offering encouragement and advice over a cup of tea and a homemade treat. Marie taught my daughter how to crochet and when my daughter got dressed up for her high school proms, she went over to Marie’s house with her date to share those special moments with her.

As some of you know, I lost another friend in May of this year who was cremated and did not have an obituary.  I found out about his death through Facebook Messenger about three weeks after his death.  I missed his memorial service.

An ad in the newspaper below Marie’s obituary offers ObitMessenger, “FREE obituary e-mail alerts for specific people, towns & more.”  Is that what we have come to?  I guess I’m “old school” about the passing of people near and dear to me.  I want an obituary announcing a traditional memorial service or celebration of life.  I need to be with others where the sharing of stories and shoulders to cry on help with the grieving process.

I’d like to know your feelings.  Please leave me your comments.

Coping with grief

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What got me through the grief: The best advice from one widow to another

By Jan Robinson, The Telegraph

“When I  wrote my first book Tips from Widows, I gathered advice verbally from 29 women who had lost their husbands. When I wrote my second, Tips from Widowers, I found that the 15 men felt more comfortable writing their feelings down for me, rather than speaking them aloud.

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