In Grief: “Being There” for Someone in Mourning

[Reviewed and updated September 29, 2024]

When your fear touches someone’s pain, it becomes pity. When your love touches someone’s pain, it becomes compassion.  ~ Stephen Levine

Why is it so hard to "be there" for someone in mourning? If you're like many other good-hearted, well-meaning people, you may find it difficult to be with someone who is anticipating or coping with the death of a loved one. When you aren't sure what to say or do to support another person, it's natural to feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Caregiving and Hospice, November 20 - November 26, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Death and dying: Do dogs have it better? http://bit.ly/2guxRyM « Kevin MD

I have to go home, http://bit.ly/2fMpCND « Soaring Spirits International

Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it. http://bit.ly/2feaPyU « Here Comes The Sun

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below.

If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.

Understanding and Managing Grief, November 20 - November 26, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

After a Suicide; Surviving a Suicide Loss, http://bit.ly/2fgJri4 « Vimeo

The Legacy Lives on at Maui Pasta Company, http://bit.ly/2fwLawE « Maui Now

In the After ~ http://bit.ly/2gnQWBy « Soaring Spirits International

Coping with Pet Loss, November 20 - November 26, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Do Dogs Grieve Over the Loss of an Animal Companion? http://bit.ly/2f124s3 « Psychology Today

Veterinarian provides in-home hospice care for pets, http://bit.ly/2garUaC « Las Vegas Review-Journal

Guidelines for Veterinary Hospice Care, http://bit.ly/2fgHi6f « AVMA

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below.

If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.

From My Heart to Yours: A Thanksgiving Message

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F. Kennedy

When I count the blessings in my life, I find that what I value most are the treasures that are free: my family members and loved ones, my friends, neighbors and colleagues ~ and most certainly my fellow travelers in life's journeys, as together we find our way through the challenges of caregiving, loss and grief.

You inspire me daily with your wisdom, courage and determination, and I am humbly grateful for all that I have learned from each and every one of you.

I wish all of you life's dearest blessings, on this Thanksgiving Day and always ♥ 

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below. If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.

© by Marty Tousley, RN, MS, FT

Caregiving and Hospice, November 13 - November 19, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Caregivers have different set of problems, http://bit.ly/2g56E4r « Walking With Jane

Compassion and Choices Introduces Truth in Treatment, http://bit.ly/2gsQff9 « A Good Goodbye

FAQ for New Hospice Volunteers: 15 Questions You're Afraid to Ask, http://bit.ly/2g2dVnc « Pallimed

Understanding and Managing Grief, November 13 - November 19, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

The Many Paths of Grief: 8 Tips From Survivors of Loss, http://huff.to/2g2hgD0 « The Huffington Post

In Grief: The Healing Language Of Touch, http://huff.to/2fAiYgj « The Huffington Post

The People Who Can't Stop Grieving, http://di.gg/2fhvlut « Digg

Coping with Pet Loss, November 13 - November 19, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

When Friends and Family Don’t Understand Pet Loss, http://bit.ly/2g146bl « One Green Planet

Making Animal Hospice a Reality, http://j.mp/2e5OUau « The Grey Muzzle Organization

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below.

If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.

Coping with the Holidays: Suggested Resources 2016

[Most recent update: Tuesday, January 10, 2017]

It's funny to think that Christmas — a time known for its joyful togetherness — can be the loneliest time of the year for some. ~ Giovanna Fletcher

Once again we find ourselves heading into the holiday season, which for many of us can be a stressful and challenging time, especially if we're anticipating or coping with the loss of a loved one. Fortunately the Internet offers access to a variety of useful and reliable resources that can help us find our way through these difficult days. In addition, many community hospices and mortuaries offer programs and workshops to guide and support individuals and families to identify and learn how to manage the mixed and painful emotions that can surface at this time.

As I’ve done in years past, I’ll be looking online for articles, webinars and other reliable resources to recommend to my readers, and each day throughout the holiday season I’ll be posting links to them on this page. Since I am building upon this list on a daily basis, I invite you to check back often to see what’s been added.

Caregiving and Hospice, November 6 - November 12, 2016

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

On the Other Side of Hope – Hospice, http://bit.ly/2eFD6cz « The Unprepared Caregiver

5 Things You Can Expect from Your First Palliative Care Meeting, http://bit.ly/2cZfbFv « Get Palliative Care

We give pets dignified deaths, why not our loved ones? http://bit.ly/2fwwjEK « Kevin MD