Grief: Learning to Live with Loss
Those who have left this world are never truly gone. They remain with us in our dreams, in the stars, in the warmth of the sun, and in the songs that bring back cherished memories. The happiness their presence once brought will always stay with us.
With time, we learn to live without them, but that doesn’t mean we will ever forget them.
💭 “If I had known it was the last time I’d see you, I would have never let go. But I didn’t know… So now, I look to the sky, send you a sigh, blow you a kiss, and hold onto your memory in my dreams—until we meet again.”
As I write this with tears in my eyes, I also feel gratitude—for the happiness you brought into our lives.
What People in Grief Need
✔ To be heard – Grieving individuals need someone to listen without judgment.
✔ Permission to express emotions – Grief is deeply personal, and emotions should be acknowledged and validated.
✔ To grieve in their own way – There is no right or wrong way to mourn; everyone’s journey is different.
✔ Validation of their coping mechanisms – Whether through silence, tears, rituals, or memories, each method of grieving is valid.
💡 Rituals for Saying Goodbye
📜 Write a farewell letter to your loved one—when you feel ready.
📦 Create a memory box with cherished items and letters, keeping their presence alive in a special way.
The 5 Stages of Grief
Everyone experiences grief differently, but these five stages are commonly observed:
1️⃣ Denial – Refusing to accept the loss.
2️⃣ Anger – Feeling resentment and questioning why this happened.
3️⃣ Bargaining – Wishing things had been different, thinking “If only…”.
4️⃣ Depression – Deep sadness and emptiness over the loss.
5️⃣ Acceptance – Coming to terms with reality and learning to move forward.
⚠ These stages don’t always follow a set order—you may skip some or move between them. Every journey through grief is unique and personal.
💙 Healing takes time, but love and memories remain forever.
📖 Source: Dr. Idalia Sandoval – Clinical Psychologist & Thanatologist