Butterfly Kisses From Beyond

... Even the best of intentions are misread by those who are grieving. When the supporters of the grieving just can't get  their words to match what's in their heart... It appears there are many people that are inept at trying to comfort the individuals who are suffering from loss.  There are times that others wish to speed up the process, or just sweep it all under the rug, like the death never happened. If you've been on the receiving end of someone's incapability to be truly empathetic, you may find it difficult to fathom that some people can be so selfish, when you need them the most. Many times, people just don't understand what grievers are going through, and they make comments that one should hurry up and move on, or that focusing on the death of their loved one, is somehow hindering their progress to "get over" grief.  It is unfortunate to be the one who is hurting and have to receive comments like this from their peers and...

Our society has never been prepared to deal with grief, and when we encounter  those who are suffering from loss, our words may become hollow phrases. Letting someone know you are thinking about them is imperative. When dealing with people that are in the midst of grief, sometimes our words can have a negative connotation, even if that wasn't our intent.  People try to show their empathy and compassion to those who are suffering the loss of someone dear, but when people are in pain, they may interpret your well-intended words quite differently. I realized how pertinent our words become when I lost my son, and had the task of responding to those caring individuals that took the time to offer their heartfelt condolences.  In all honesty, I believe everyone had the best of intentions when they were reaching out and offering their sympathies, even if their words seemed rigid in some unsatisfying way. When you're in the shock of grief, our emotions are raw a...