Navigate Through 2008

If you are reading this, you are a survivor! It takes courage and determination to function each and every day. You must let those around you know what your needs are:

• Be honest! No one can read minds.
• Communicate your love and gratitude for their help, yet express your limits
• Ask for practical help with dinner, errands, housekeeping, etc.
• Ironically, you must guide your caregivers/loved ones in how to best help you.
• Remember, you DO have permission to be honest.
• There is a rhythm you and your loved ones have to find together. Being
• honest actually is the thing that will make everyone more at ease.

This may change several times as you access and re-evalute, as you continue your journey through grief.

Try not to allow yourself to be in constant isolation. This can lead to destructive behaviors.

Life was not supposed to turn out this way. Now you will learn a new "normal." It takes emotional energy to redefine your life.

Grief and pain are the price we humans
have to pay for the love and total commitment
we have another person. The more we love,
the more we hurt when we lose the object
of our love. But if we are honest with ourselves
would we have it any other way.

—C.S. Lewis: A Grief Observed