Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Janice – “Let the feelings come up”

Janice talks about how it can help to let the feelings come up.

Amanda – “Ministry of Presence”

Amanda discusses how being present with someone can be helpful.

Weaving the Tapestry of Love

Learning to become a better person is a wonderful consequence of being in a loving relationship with someone; you’re present in ways that help them grow into their best self. It’s an organic process you flow with on a journey we map out with intention, though in reality, it remains unknowable. That is why a…

Jean – My Story

Jean talks about isolation and grieving during a pandemic

Claudia – My story

Claudia tells her story about art and grief

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Maureen – “Anger”

Maureen talks about the power of anger and how to deal with it.

Rev. Sky – “Why”

Rev. Sky talks about the question of why and how to look beyond it.

Corrie – Pandemic of grief

Corrie discusses how much grief there is

Madelyn – Accept what you are feeling

Madelyn talks about how it’s ok to not be ok.

Janice – “Go into feelings”

Janice explains how important it is to pay attention to your feelings.

Maureen – “Grief can come back”

Maureen explains however grief comes back, you are OK.