In grief we can often be disappointed and hurt by those who cannot be there for us as we grieve and then there are the wonderful people who strive to understand and do their best to support us.
In this short video, I discuss the 3 grief supporters you are likely to encounter in your grief, courtesy of Alan Wolfelt.
Please take a moment to watch it……
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This is so very true. Thank you Maureen. You have been a great help to me , going through the loss of my beautiful son. It has meant so much to me. I know you understand. Hugs. Marilyn
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for your enlightening video. The categories of people are so true and I have encountered each type. In addition, I have encountered a hybrid category – a combination of helpful and hurtful. My daughter (age 36) is that person. She too is grieving for she lost her mother, my wife, just 6 weeks ago. She can be so helpful, caring and understanding, and a great partner to have a good tearful session. Also, she brings up triggers to me that just sends me to the pits. She captured the audio of my wife's painful passing and pictures of her in the E.R. hooked up to machines. I am agonizing as I write this but I feel I must solicit your advise in how I can cope and also be of support to my daughter. I know she is in a lot of pain over the loss of her "Mama Bear." Thank you……..peter
I think it is always a difficult thing Peter to grieve as individual family members and be supportive at the same time. Each of you will grieve in your own way and some things which you find distressing she may find helpful. It can be useful to communicate openly the things that do send you to the pits as I am sure that may not have been her intention. This article might give you some tips about looking after you http://esdeer.com/helping-others-barely-help-ourselves-grief/ ~ Maureen
Thank you Maureen. I will try talking to her and discuss our individual triggers and what we need to do to avoid them. Peter
Your video and all your comments have been so helpful for me the past 6 months. I have only encountered the number one catagory which to me is a blessing, I have so many people whom give me support every day. Every day is a challenge for me, but I seem to get through it. Thank you for everything you do!!!
It is indeed a blessing Marie, so pleased you have special people in your life ~ Maureen