Grief and Trauma

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

September 15, 2022

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Blog Post / Collective/Community Grief / Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Grief and Trauma / I Am A Griever

Tending to My Garden of Grief

July 6, 2022

So long as I remember the lives of those I have lost, honour their presence and impact on me and celebrate their spirit, they will continue to live with me and the pain will feel bearable. It will no longer stop me in my tracks. Instead, it will encourage me and propel me forward through the transmutation of that grief into something different, something more nuanced and fluid. I’d like to share a practice for processing grief which I have found to be especially helpful.

Art / Bereavement Professionals' Insights / Blog Post / Grief and Trauma / Supporting Others

Rev. Sky – “Helping a friend”

December 10, 2018

Rev. Sky discusses the grief motto 80% listening, 20% talking and how to help someone in grief.

Bereavement Professionals' Insights / Grief and Trauma / Supporting Others / Video

John Martin – The Shocking Reality of Painful Loss

March 13, 2022

John talks about shock and grief

Grief and Trauma / Supporting Others / Video

When Death Comes Suddenly

April 28, 2022

When someone dies suddenly we often struggle with grief that is raw, unpredictable and powerful.

Blog Post / Death of A Loved One / Grief and Trauma / Perinatal / Suicide / Supporting Others

Bryan – Anticipation

October 30, 2021

Bryan discusses the experience of having his father go through a coma and ultimately dying from gun violence

Death of a Parent / Grief and Trauma / Video

Krista – “Crying”

November 11, 2019

Krista talks about how crying helps her. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Death By Overdose / Death of a Child / Grief and Trauma / Video

Caitlin – “It’s hard work”

December 17, 2018

Caitlin talks about dealing with grief. Caitlin continues to grieve the death of her sister in a car accident

Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / Grief and Trauma / Video

Cheryl and Mike – “Grieving more than one person”

December 16, 2018

Mike and Cheryl discuss how it gets complicated with multiple losses. They continue to grieve Cheryl’s father and the death their daughter in a car accident.

Death of a Child / Death of a Parent / Grief and Trauma / Video

Bryan – This Is Why

October 30, 2021

Bryan shares about his new website “This is why”a creative form, for blog stories for grievers to express themselves and for readers to connect

Death of a Parent / Grief and Trauma / Video

Bryan – Empathy for others

October 30, 2021

Bryan talks about how losing his father to gun violence was difficult and how taking things day by day helped him get through many difficult times. Now he wants to help children who are going through something similar to what he did. Things will get better and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel

Death of a Parent / Grief and Trauma / Video

Russell – “Relationship”

December 16, 2018

Russell discusses how loss affects relationships. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Death of a Child / Grief and Trauma / Perinatal / Video