I Am A Griever

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

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

Pet Loss: When People Fall Silent

April 21, 2024

A few days after the birth of my younger brother, my father was taking the dog he and my mother adopted from the humane society, along with my twin and I, to the veterinarian. Years later, my father would share how many times he wiped his eyes on the car ride there. Yoda shared 16…

Blog Post / I Am A Griever / pet loss

Kate – COVID and grieving with my parents

March 11, 2023

Kate shares about how COVID was stress on top of dealing with the loss of her brother

Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Death By Overdose / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / Video

Craig – There is No Right Way to Grieve

August 1, 2023

Craig talks about his experience with grief and how there is no right or wrong way to grieve. He shares his thoughts on how to allow yourself to do what you need to do to heal, even if it doesn’t seem like “self-care.” This video is a reminder that everyone grieves differently and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing.

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

Jim – Significant incidents

June 13, 2023

Jim discusses being involved in a significant incident and how it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and ruminate over it. You may even start to drink or use drugs to cope. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many police officers have been through similar experiences. And there are resources available to help you get through this.One of the best things you can do is talk to a trusted friend or colleague. They can offer support and understanding. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you to process your experience and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s also important to remember that you can’t change the past. But you can learn from it. And you can move on. Don’t let one incident define you. You are a strong and capable person. And you will get through this.

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video

Lyss – Support, Family, and Friends

March 23, 2023

Lyss discusses the long process of her mother dying, miscarriages and support from family and friends

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / Perinatal / Supporting Others / Video

Scott – The grieving process

February 6, 2023

Scott talks about how his song ‘The Good Man James” was about his father, their relationship and how it helped him process their relationship. Find the song at his website www.dotbmusic.ca

Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / Music / Video

Kate – Getting support

March 11, 2023

Kate talks about how difficult it is to ask for support

Death By Overdose / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / Video

Preparing For and Coping with Special Days

December 13, 2024

Special Days can be days we have honoured with our loved ones that many others celebrate or more personal dates and milestones with your loved one. As these days approach, it can be difficult to figure out how to move through a Special Day. Do you do what you’ve always done? What do you do…

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

John – Empower yourself

February 23, 2023

John shares his thoughts about how to support someone in grief and his processes

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

John – What I have learned

February 23, 2023

John explains how he has changed since his wife died and now looking back what he would say to his self right after his loss

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