Thoughts on Grief
The Journey of Grief
Grief is a unique journey for all who find themselves on the path.
Some people express grief through tears while others will never shed
a tear. Neither approach is right or wrong. Each person needs to
find their own expression. The important thing is that each person
finds a way to release his or her emotions and allow those around
them to find their own means of expression.
The primary emotion that a griever may experience varies. A deep
sense of sadness is one of the primary feelings that grief brings.
At times anger might be an emotion that rises to the surface. Anger
may be directed at God, medical personnel, or even at the deceased.
Often, physical exercise can be a healthy way to deal with anger.
The “if onlys” can bring an onslaught of guilt, a common emotion
that comes with grief. If only I could have gotten him to a doctor
sooner…If only I could have kept her at home…If only I could have
spent more time…If only, if only, if only. Acknowledging what is
beyond one’s control can be helpful. Hanging onto guilt or anger
may hinder one’s healing.
There is no “normal” response to grief. It is different for everyone.
When a people allow themselves the permission to express the vast
array of grief ’s emotions, the intensity of emotions will lessen.
Fairview Home Care and Hospice
2450 26th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
[email protected]
Bereavement Counselors
North Metro call 952-885-6183
South Metro call 952-885-6197
Princeton call 612-728-4592
“Grief is not a
disorder, a disease or a
sign of weakness. It is
an emotional, physical
and spiritual necessity,
the price you pay for love.
The only cure for grief
is to grieve.”
- Earl Grollman
“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your
heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that
you never completely get over the loss of your beloved.
But this is also the good news. They live forever in your
broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come
through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals
perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but
you learn to dance with the limp.” –– Anne Lamott
Upcoming Programs
Journaling to Heal the Heart
This 4 week on-line class will be offered two
different times:
Fairview Home Care and Hospice
2450 26th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Mondays, March 6-27th
Mondays, May 8th-29th
Journaling can be a powerful tool for expressing grief and creating a new normal after the death of a loved one. Those who
enroll will receive weekly emails with creative writing suggestions. Participants will be invited to share journal entries with
Fairview Hospice grief counselor and receive feedback if they
choose.
Soothing the Grieving Soul Through Music
Monday March 6th, 4:30-5:30pm
An educational program lead by a Music Therapist on how
music can help bring comfort and healing.
Grief Support Group
April 4th, 10am- 11:30 am
Cherrywood Pointe, Great Room
2996 Cleveland Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Please join to explore resources and grief education related to
what you are going through in the death of your loved one.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People…
Fairview Oxboro Clinic Agate Room
600 W. 98th St. in Bloomington
Tuesday March 28th, 4:30-5:30pm
All are invited to attend this group where Catherine Duncan,
Fairview Hospice Spiritual Care Provider, will present on
Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book When Bad Things Happen to
Good People. When Kushner’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with a degenerative disease and would live only a few
years, he was faced with one of life’s most difficult questions:
Why? Years later, Rabbi Kushner wrote this straightforward,
elegant contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise
when tragedy strikes. Kushner shares his wisdom as a rabbi,
a parent, a reader, and a human being. When Bad Things
Happen to Good People is a classic that offers clear thinking
and consolation in times of sorrow. Please RSVP to Julie at
952-885-6197 [email protected] if you are planning to attend.
Fairview Oxboro Clinic Agate Room
600 W. 98th St. in Bloomington
Services of Remembrance May 2017
North Metro: May 8th
South Metro: May 22nd
Princeton: May 15th
Expressing Grief
A couple experienced the death of their son. Their
expressions of grief looked different. The wife
processed the death of her son by shedding tears
when she talked about him. Her husband, on the
other hand, would quickly leave when his wife
started to mention their son or begin to cry. He
secluded himself in his shop and pounded his
hammer a little bit harder. Both were expressing
grief in their own way