The Afterloss Credo ~*

I need to talk about my loss

I may often need to tell you how it happened ~ Or to ask why did it happened.

Each time I discuss my loss I am helping myself  to face the reality of the death of my loved one

I need to know that you care about me

I need to feel your touch, and your hugs

I need you to just be with me (and I need to be with you) *~

I need to know you believe in me and in my ability to get through my grief in my own way ~

(and in my own time)              

Please don't judge me now ~

OR think that I'm behaving strangely

Remember I'm grieving

I may even be in shock            

I may even feel afraid

I may feel deep rage

I may even feel guilty.

But above all I hurt

I am experiencing a pain unlike any I've ever felt before ~

Don't worry if you think I am getting better and better and then suddenly I seem to slip backward ~

GRIEF MAKES ME BEHAVE THIS WAY AT TIMES

And please don't tell me you know how I feel or that it is time for me to get on with my life!

What I need now is a time to grieve and to recover ~

Most of all, thank you for being my friend ~*

Thank you for your patience ~*

Thank you for caring ~*       

Thank you for helping , for understanding ~*

Thank you for praying for me ~*

and rememer in the days or years ahead ~*

After your-loss when you need me as I have needed you~

I will understand ~*         

And then I will come and be with you ~*

 

Barbara Hills LesStrand

Originally posted on the General board by Richard