[Reviewed and updated November 27, 2025]
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. ~ Maria Robinson
A reader writes: Do you have any articles or can you suggest a book that will be helpful to me? I lost a long time friend. We had some unresolved conflict caused by me. I was unable to be with her during the past 2 years as she fought cancer. She shut me out. I deserved it. I am grieving the loss, the lack of closure, and guilt. It is hell. Can you point me to some help? Please?
My response: I’m so sorry to learn of the death of your friend, and of course there is nothing I can say to erase the load of guilt that you are carrying around with you in the wake of your loss. In the end, the only one who can forgive you is
you, as I'm sure you already know.
I certainly can tell you that
guilt is one of the most common reactions in loss – guilt for what you may have done or failed to say or do.