Dear Friends

Dear Friends,

We have experienced a loss that is devastating to us. It will take time, perhaps years, for us to work through the grief that we are having because of this loss.

We will cry more than usual for some time. Our tears are not a sign of weakness or a lack of hope or faith. They are the symbols of the depth of our loss and the sign that we are recovering

We may become angry without there seeming to be a reason for it. Our emotions are all heightened by the stress of grief. Please be forgiving if we seem irrational at times.

We need your understanding and your presence more than anything else. If you don't know what to say, just touch us or give us a hug to let us know you care. Please don't wait for us to call you. We are often too tired to even think of reaching out for the help we need.

Don't allow us to withdraw from you. We need you more than ever during the next year or two.

Pray for us only if your prayer is not an order for us to make you feel better. Our faith is not an excuse from the process of grief.

If you, by chance, have had an experience of loss that seems anything like ours, please share it with us. You will not make us feel worse.

This loss is the worst thing that could happen to us. But we will get through it and we will live again. We will not always feel as we do now. We will laugh again.

Thank you for caring about us. Your concern is a gift we will always treasure.

Sincerely,

This letter was taken from the book, "Life after Loss" by Bob Deits

You may want to send it out to your friends and family.