Journeys Through Grief

08/21/2026

Many of us come to Journeys Through Grief because we love someone who is grieving, and we want to care for them as tenderly and faithfully as we can. That desire to “get it right” is so understandable, but it can sometimes leave us feeling unsure, distracted, or even distant. Instead, we can give ourselves permission to let the awkward moments come—because they will. Grief is unpredictable, and we may not always know what another person needs in the moment. But we can still show up with love, compassion, and empathy. Sometimes, our quiet presence is the most meaningful response we can offer.

08/19/2026

When I sit with people who are grieving, I often hear, “I didn’t talk about my loss because I didn’t want to make others feel bad.” That desire to protect loved ones is tender and natural. Some people may struggle to be present with our pain, while others can offer compassion without carrying the grief themselves. Still, you are not responsible for managing how others respond.

What you can do is reach out to someone safe and let them be with you in the sorrow. Your story matters, and telling it can help bring healing.

08/13/2026

Today, I offer you a brief poem about the pain of separation and hope of enduring connections. I encourage you to read it a few times slowly and notice how you resonate with it or not. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

08/11/2026

Grief is hard, exhausting work because it impacts our whole self. Our minds, emotions, bodies, and social capacity are all impacted as we try to process living in a world without our loved one. Sometimes, we can be hard on ourselves for not being “back to normal,” for being tired, for losing concentration, and for needing space. Grief is already heavy enough; please don’t add the burden of shoulds and oughts. You are doing your best and it is enough.

08/06/2026

Grief is hard work. Somedays it’s impossible to focus because your whole being is consumed with the ache in your chest. Somedays we don’t even notice how our bodies feel because the thoughts about longing for one more day are so loud. Somedays it’s hard to keep putting one foot in front of the other, everything just feels like too much. Grief is hard work. It is all-consuming work with no instruction manual or time frame.

If you find yourself here today, just breathe, my friend. Sometimes taking a deep breath is all you can do and it’s enough.

08/04/2026

Birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries often make grief feel more intense. Many of the families I talk to say these days can be especially difficult, and that's a very natural response.

Be gentle with yourself and remember there is no right or wrong way to spend the day. Some people find comfort in honoring their loved one by visiting the cemetery or niche, lighting a candle, spending time in a favorite place, or gathering with family and friends to share memories.

Above all, do what feels most meaningful to you. Honoring your loved one in a way that reflects your relationship can be a comforting way to stay connected to them.

07/31/2026

I often hear people say, “let me know what I can do to help” after a loss. While this is well meaning, the reality is that people grieving do not always know what they need or have the energy to manage asking for help. Instead, try offering to bring dinner on Tuesday, walk the dog, or clean the house. Offer something tangible that takes the responsibility off the griever to coordinate needs.

07/28/2026

What happens when we find ourselves a month or more removed from the loss of someone to death? Often around this time the phone calls start to taper off, the casseroles stop coming, and the cards are piled on the dining room table. The house is quiet, but our minds are spinning and our hearts are still hurting. Everyday that we keep putting one foot in front of the other is a day we have persevered. Remember to be kind to yourself; surviving loss is hard work, and you are doing it.

07/22/2026

07/21/2026

Sometimes it is hard for those in our lives to understand our grief. Many close to us are just uncomfortable with our complex emotions and with bereavement. Due to this discomfort, they may even encourage us to move on and get over it as if grief works that way. It is not malicious; it is simply that our culture does not make room for painful emotions or normalize the grief process. Today, I want you to know that your grief is a normal response to loss. Here is a gentle reminder: