Grief and Trauma

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

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.

Joyce – My Story

Joyce shares her story about the sudden death of her son in an accident and how she has coped by helping others in need

Doug – “Effects on family”

Doug talks about how they have adjusted and do some things differently now. Doug continues to grieve the death of bis daughter in a car accident.

Brenda and Dale – “What is grief”

Brenda and Dale talk about their grief journey.They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Caitlin – “My Story”

Caitlin shares about the loss of her sister and how she copes with missing her. Caitlin continues to grieve the death of her sister in a car accident

Doug – “Find a purpose”

Doug talks about hope, purpose and putting things into perspective. Doug continues to grieve the death of bis daughter in a car accident.

Sarah K – Therapy helps

Sarah talks about how grief and trauma therapy has helped her in grief for her husbands death and how much trauma she was experiencing from his substance use disorders and entail health challenges

Cheryl and Mike – “Everybody’s different”

Cheryl and Mike discuss how everyone is unique in their grieving. They continue to grieve the death their daughter in a car accident.

Rev. Sky – “Retraumatization”

Rev. Sky discusses trauma and re-experiencing the initial emotion had at the beginning of a loss.

Grief and Parenting in the Disability Community

In this blog post, Carrie writes about being the parent and primary caregiver to a child with disabilities and grieving the loss of a child dying from their disabilities.

Caitlin – “It’s hard work”

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

Donna B – “Accepting support”

Donna explains how support can help. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.