This post is paid advertising by Christman’s Funeral Home.
I’m always looking for new perspectives dealing with the topic of losing a loved one and adjusting to the emotions associated with a loss of this nature.
I happened upon a TedTalk by author Susan McInerny, who lost a husband in 2014, leaving her and a young child behind. She has since remarried and shares a blended family with her new husband and their total of four children.
Ms. McInerny’s take on the process, in which many people encouraged her to “move on” from her past, was very different from the norm. She relates “moving on” as if it was “moments” in a lifetime. It is really part of who you are forever. She says, “You don’t have to ‘move on’ from grief. But you can ‘move forward’ with it.”
The point here – a refreshing one – is that her first husband is still present with her, mentally and emotionally. They had a child together, which makes him part of her life forever. This is the person her new husband married, and they are all at peace with the situation and supportive of each other.
To me, this example points out that all of us are different. We all cope with grief in our own way. As a funeral director, it’s important to be ever ready to provide empathy and support for all families confronted with a life change as dramatic as they have faced.
If counseling is appropriate, we are prepared to offer recommendations. My most important job is to EARN your trust and to help you through a difficult time, so you can move forward in your own special way.
