Resources
"Loss provides an opportunity to take inventory of our lives, to reconsider priorities, and to determine new directions." Gerald L. Sittser
Websites
Families
Compassionate Friends Grief support after the death of a child
Good Grief Good Grief is a resource for grieving children and their families
The Dougy Center Grief support for children and their families
GriefNet An internet community of individuals dealing with grief, death, and major loss
Grief Share Grief recovery support
Widows and Widowers
Widow's Walk Support for widows
Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation An internet community of support for widows and widowers
Family Care Giving
National Family Caregivers Association Support and education for family caregivers
Well Spouse Association Support for spousal and partner caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance Information, education, support and advocacy for family caregivers
Articles
A Journey of Grief to Hope
You've suffered a tremendous loss: someone close to you has died or perhaps your loss came about from a diagnosis of a terminal illness, trauma, disability or the ending of a significant relationship. The movement from before to after the loss can be an incredibly painful journey.
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Tips to Prepare for the Journey
Pack lightly. Your grief can be a heavy burden. You don't need to face everything all at once. Put down excess baggage; it will be there to pick up when you’re able and willing to do so.
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Meditations for Navigation
I haphazardly tried to steady my chaotic walk with grief trying desperately to navigate through the turbulence and bring order to the simultaneously occurring diametrically opposed emotions which would toss me about. Overtime I had to learn that sometimes in life you cannot make order out of disorder and to trying to make sense of it would be an effort in futility. I had to accept the “not knowing of the moment” and somehow hang on to the beacon of light in the distance called “hope” to bring me home.
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Books
General Grief:
- Safe Passage: Words to help the Grieving by Molly Fumia
- A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
- The Journey through Grief by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
- Eight Critical Questions for Mourners: The Answers That Will Help You Heal by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
- Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D.
- Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen, and Taylor Bills
- The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
- Living With Grief When Illness is Prolonged by Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D
For Widows:
- The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
- Being a Widow by Lynn Caine
- Widow to Widow: Thoughtful Practical Ideas for Rebuilding Your Life by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg M.S.
- Healing A Spouse’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Spouse Dies by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D
End of Life:
- Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life by Ira Byock, M.D.
- Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley
