Got Grief

Anne Keeton, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, presented a speech about grief at my NAPO GA meeting on August 12, 2014.  It was very interesting.  She told us that many people are living their lives with unresolved grief.  Some of the warning signs are freak accidents and illness.  Anne gave us an example: When her best friend was dying she walked in the restroom of the opposite sex (a few times), even though she read the sign on the door.  When our heart is broken our mind does not function properly. 

Anne said the absolute worst thing you can tell someone struggling with grief is, “I know how you are feeling.”  You don’t know how they are feeling, even if you have experienced a similar circumstance.  The best remark you can make is: I can’t begin to imagine your grief or I don’t know what to say.  Just be honest and talk to the person.  The grieving person wants you to ask them questions.  It will not be easy on either one of you.