Funerals, Memorials and Other Greiving Processes

It has been over 2 months since Mom has passed. The Hospice which cared for Mom had a Memorial service for everyone who had died in the last 12 months. I thought I was ready for such a service, but it was very difficult. We were asked to say something as a tribute to our loved one and I could barely get through it-a surprise to me! I guess we all believe we are stronger than we are!!

Grieving is a strange and in many ways a counter intuative experience. It very much has it's cycles. It however definitely is not an A to Z experience. In other words it is more likely to be A to F to C to L to G etc. There are certainly ups and downs which take you backwards as well as forward. It is also an emotional experience at times and an intellectual experience at others. It is one thing to believe your loved one is "in a better place" and quite another to be able to let go. One can truly believe "It was their time to go" but still miss their loved one terribly. Much of the bereavement literature talks of grief as a process. Grieving is billed as a normal part of life. That however ,does not makes it any easier, quicker, or shorter. I did not think I would need or use the bereavement services offered. I guess I was wrong.

Mom, we would not wish you back, as we know you are in a better place, but we miss you terribly.

May God keep you in the palm of Her hand.