I Am A Griever

Who are we to Decide? The Many Paths through Grief

July 16, 2024

A lot of my work with clients involves hearing their stories, but also answering many questions about if their grief is “normal”. Their grief is overwhelming, and our dominant culture’s strong message is – that grief should be kept at its edges, I often find this pervasive intention creeps into griever’s experiences – and my…

Bereavement Professionals' Insights / Blog Post / I Am A Griever

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

May 19, 2025

“Happiness is a choice.” A friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook the other day. She then asked others what that quote meant to them. The responses were interesting and expected, and some were even inspiring. It’s so easy to say “I choose to be happy” when life is going well. On the other…

Blog Post / Death of a Partner / I Am A Griever

Adam – Things that are OK to do

December 21, 2022

Adam talks about things he does to cope with grief like singing and crying

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / Video

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

Jessica’s Reflections as an Adult Grieving Child

November 16, 2023

Parents or trusted adults are people children often turn to for support, but my circle of trusted adults was shrinking. My peers were focused on what to wear on civvies day (a day where we didn’t have to wear a uniform), while I was focused on just surviving.

Blog Post / Death of a Grandparent / Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever

Beauty found at the edges: a portrait of community support

March 1, 2023

I’d sent a text saying “Hello friends, I’m putting out a call for flowers. I went to public school with Kory, the young man who died in downtown Cobourg this week, and though I hadn’t seen him in recent years, I feel the loss of him on a community level, as I imagine you do, too. Some of Kory’s people are gathering tonight in vigil at the bank where he died, and I’m gathering flowers from those of us who have gardens to share with this grieving community. Do you have some blooms in your garden that you’d be willing to share?”

Blog Post / Collective/Community Grief / Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Death By Overdose / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / I Am A Supporter / Supporting Others

Things That Helped When My Dog Was Dying

August 28, 2024

I lived with a dog named Althea, who belonged to my roommate, during my undergrad. Every year, my partner, our roommate, and I would go to a summer solstice festival. The year Althea was pregnant, my roommate brought her to the festival. The first night there, he retired to his tent to nap in preparation…

Blog Post / pet loss

John – The power of journaling

February 23, 2023

John shares how journaling has helped him so much

Death of A Loved One / Death of a Partner / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video

Adam – Story 1

December 21, 2022

Adam shares about losing his Mom and the many wonderful things he remembers

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / My Story Video / Video

Joyce – Beliefs

April 23, 2023

Joyce talks about her belief system after her son died

Death of a Child / Death of A Loved One / I Am A Griever / Video

The ties that bind; grieving the loss of a sibling

March 3, 2025

When my three brothers and I were growing up and the proverbial hit the fan, Mum would often say, in a bid to keep her brood calm, ‘Well, at least we are all still here.’ She reminded me of this affectionate saying only very recently. I can still recall how I felt as a child…

Blog Post / Death of a Child / Death of a Sibling / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others

Jessica M – The value of talking about grief

June 13, 2023

Jessica talks about living in North America and the fear many people have about talking about grief but that it is very important to talk. It makes us feel less alone and helps us move through our grief. It’s also how you can keep your lost one alive.

Bereavement Professionals' Insights / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / I Am A Professional / I Am A Supporter / Supporting Others / Video