Page 17 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine

If you do not allow yourself to mourn in a healthy
way, grief can often emerge in other ways that are not
so healthy. Anger, strife, depression and sickness can
manifest if you try to stuff down the emotions and feelings
about what you are going through. Again, these responses
are normal, but when you find yourself being angry about
something that wouldn’t typically get to you, you might
realize that what is really happening is a reaction to your
grief. It is time to stop and purposefully take care of
yourself. Or better yet, ask for a hug from a friend.

Hopefully, the death of your loved one will arouse
empathy, care and concern from your extended family
and friends. They will want to rally around you and
help you in any way they can. I tell my families to please
allow their friends to help. It requires us to admit our
vulnerabilities and even neediness, but we are vulnerable
and needy when our loved one dies. We would so much
rather be the one giving and taking care of someone – that
is certainly easier than being the one taken care of. But
remember, your season of loss provides anothers’ season
of helping. Accept their caring ministry to you with grace!

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Amarillo Senior Link 17