Understanding Grief

After the shock and trauma of a loved one's unexpected death, grief and loss can be devastating and confusing. Especially when we are unfamiliar with grief and the grieving process. You're probably looking for grief support for yourself or a friend or family member, and you want to better understand what you're going through emotionally, physically and mentally while grieving the sudden death of a loved one. That's exactly what author Cindi Brown experienced when her sister Jan died unexpectedly from a stroke at the age of 56, and that's why she wrote this gentle guide. After Jan died, Cindi had a deep need to understand what she and her family were going through. While there were many books and articles on grief, and the stages of grief, she couldn't find the short book of explanations and reassurances she desperately needed in those early, dark days. Unable to find a compassionate overview explaining what she was feeling/thinking, Cindi decided to write this small grief handbook with the intention of helping others understand what happens to them and their loved ones as they come to terms with the awful truth, and as they eventually begin the recovery process.The word "loss" simply doesn't capture the depths of pain and anguish we feel when a loved one dies. Thoughts rush in while we're grieving, thoughts of never hearing our loved one's voice again, never hugging them or holding their hand; thoughts of how our family and friends have been deprived of the joy and companionship of someone we will all miss for the rest of our lives. Losing a loved one is horrible. Awful. We often feel as though we'll die, too. There is an instant desire to escape the pain by wishing reality away, but the pain of loss must be worked through, and we must keep going for our own sake as well as for the people closest to us who also need support to begin healing. This grief handbook was written to guide you toward understanding and to provide encouragement, because no matter how dark your world seems now, you will once again experience light. No guarantees on how soon the light will return, but you will experience light again. Grief, a perfectly natural human reaction, is also very personal for each of us. While it can feel unbearable, grief as a natural process allows us to cope through those early, dark days, helping us to keep going until our minds, hearts, bodies and souls can begin the healing process.If you've lost a loved one, please know you are not alone. Please know you will get through. Please seek someone who will understand and guide or accompany you through healing. If this little book helps you get through those early, dark days, then it has served its purpose.