Grief is an intimate and unique journey for each person who has experienced a loss of any kind. Most people do not know what to expect or how they will cope. In many ways, grief is the most difficult process we will ever experience. If there is ever a time in life when we need others to support and nurture us, it’s when someone we love dies. Help with grief comes in many different forms for different people. The trick is to find the combination that works best for you and then make use of it. We are often surrounded by those who have lots of “helpful” advice. Reaching out to others as you move through your grief is important. However, do not feel obligated to accept unhelpful responses. If we can be of any further assistance with your grief please reach out to us as we have many resources to draw upon. Our support does not end at the graveside!

Nathan Rhody

[email protected]
(519) 363-2525

Bereaved Families of Ontario

www.bereavedfamilies.net

VON Grey-Bruce
Bereavement Grief Support Group

(519) 371-5331 ext 247 or ext 223

Wes for Youth

1-800-668-6868
www.wesforyouthonline.ca

Dr. Bill Webster is a grief counsellor, author, and well-known international speaker. He brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic education and many years of practical application to his work. Dr. Bill combines his own stories of loss (his young wife and more recently his son Steve) with his knowledge and sense of humour to effectively communicate his message.

The Mourner’s Bill of Rights

(based on work by Dr. Alan Wolfelt)

Though you should reach out to others as you do the work of mourning, you should not feel obligated to accept the unhelpful responses you may receive from some people. You are the one who is grieving, and as such, you have certain “rights” no one should try to take away from you.
The following list is intended both to empower you to heal and to decide how others can and cannot help. This is not to discourage you from reaching out to others for help, but rather to assist you in distinguishing useful responses from hurtful ones.

1. You have the right to experience your own unique grief.
   No one else will grieve in the exact same way you do. So, when you turn to others for help, don’t allow them to tell you what you should or should not be feeling.
2. You have the right to talk about your grief.
   Talking about your grief will help you heal. Seek out others who will allow you to talk as much as you want about your grief. If at times you do not feel like talking, you also have the right to be silent.
3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions.
   Confusion, disorientation, fear, guilt, and relief are just a few of the emotions you might feel as part of your grief journey. Others may try to tell you that feeling angry, for example, is wrong. Don’t take these judgmental responses to heart. Instead, find listeners who will accept your feelings without conditions.
4. You have the right to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits.
   Your feelings of loss and sadness will probably leave you feeling fatigued. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. Get daily rest. Eat balanced meals. And don’t allow others to push you into doing things you don’t feel ready to do.
5. You have the right to experience “griefbursts”.
   Sometimes, out of nowhere, a powerful surge of grief may overcome you. This can be frightening, but it is normal and natural. Find someone who understands and will let you talk it out.
6. You have the right to make use of ritual.
   The funeral ritual does more than acknowledge the death of someone loved. It helps provide you with the support of caring people. More importantly, the funeral is a way for you to mourn. If others tell you the funeral or other healing rituals such as these are silly or unnecessary, don’t listen.
7. You have the right to embrace your spirituality.
   If faith is a part of your life, express it in ways that seem appropriate to you. Allow yourself to be around people who understand and support your religious beliefs. If you feel angry at God, find someone to talk with who won’t be critical of your feelings of hurt and abandonment.
8. You have the right to search for meaning.
   You may find yourself asking, “Why did he or she die? Why this way? Why now?” Some of your questions may have answers, but some may not. And watch out for the clichéd responses some people may give you. Comments like, “It was God’s will” or “Think of what you have to be thankful for” are not helpful and you do not have to accept them.
9. You have the right to treasure your memories.
   Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved. You will always remember. Instead of ignoring your memories, find others with whom you can share them.
10. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal.
    Reconciling your grief will not happen quickly. Remember, grief is a process, not an event. Be patient and tolerant with yourself and avoid people who are impatient and intolerant with you. Neither you nor those around you must forget that the death of someone loved changes your life forever.