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Not allowed to grieve. 
Started by Chelley
20 Nov 2019, 3:59 AM

Maybe I am overly sensitive I'm not sure. My dad passed away a little over a year ago. It has been very hard. The first month after my dad left us. My mother (who I do understand is grieving as well) Was angry at me because I cried nonstop for awhile. She told people she is his wife not me. I am acting like I am his wife and she should be the one grieving and receiving stuff from people not me. At the memorial she told me I wasn't allowed to wear anything black. She was the only one who could. I moved far away from her. A few months ago. She has made me feel I can't cry and I can't be upset because if I do then I'm doing something wrong and I am playing the wife of my own father and then I start feeling weird and gross about it. Am I wrong for crying? I know there is no right or wrong way to grieve. But do children generally cry over the loss of a parent? This is the first time writing in a forum so forgive my grammar errors. 
Thank you. 
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Reply by barbcurt
09 Dec 2019, 2:34 AM

Grieve away.  There is no wrong when this happens.  I lost my wife just over a year ago.  I am still overwhelmed most everyday.  I saw a video where the follow explained your grief is your own.  People can tell you want you should or should not do but truly they do not know what you are going through or what you are feeling.  I would try to ignore what others who do not support you say and focus on what you must to get through this process.

I myself still have much difficulty dealing with my wife's passing.  People are still supportive but sometimes I don't know if they think I should be over it by now.  Definately not happening so far.

In the end, grief is our own.  It is a very personal process.  We cannot help how we feel.  We still have moments where it hits us harder.  I am still struggling and can only hope these few words help you.
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Reply by CDP
20 Dec 2019, 7:03 PM

It is not easy to lose a parent.  I lost my mom 10 weeks ago tomorrow. It is difficult when others cannot be respectful of your grief. Grief is very personal and no one should really tell you how to grieve or whether or not it’s appropriate. Be easy on yourself. Take the time you need. If you are concerned about your grief and how it affects you, speak with your doctor.  For me, my doctor has made all the difference; kind, thorough, supportive. Wishing you all the best in fondly remembering and honouring your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss. 
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28 Mar 2020, 7:35 PM

Hi
I know it's been a few months since you all posted, but grief and loss are not time limited. 
How are things for you and your mom Chelley? You sound like a very compassionate daughter. I hope you have been able to find supports to comfort you. 

Barbcurt - I think you are so right our grief is our own. There is an article on the CVH site that I have found very helpful. I'll put the link here. Grief Work

CDP thanks for your wise words. 

Just to let you know my name really is Katherine:) I have just started as the Discussion Forum Moderator  - a role I had a few years ago, but my husband died and I just needed some time to 'be'.  

Take care all of you. Katherine N
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Reply by barbcurt
28 Mar 2020, 8:13 PM

Thanks Katherine.  It has been just over 17 months since I lost my wife but I still check in to see if there are people I may be able to offer encouragement.  I will be checking out the link you posted.  It is always good to know people are still visiting the site and willing to help.  Life will go on but suffering a great loss does not make it easy.  We can only hope to continue to hear words of encouragement and support.  So, thanks again.  Curtis
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30 Mar 2020, 3:08 PM

Good morning,
I realize I am very new to you all and hope I am not intruding. A new member vkp70 joined yesterday and I wonder if you would consider responding to his post.
Lost my Soulmate 
Thanks very much for thinking about it.
Katherine
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Reply by mgb
07 Apr 2020, 6:53 PM

Wow So many things mentioned in the five or so posts above.
Many people are relieved when they discover grieving styles, some of us lean toward being an "emotional griever", we express our grief openly, tend to cry alot.  Others are "cognitive grievers", they are more the doers, want to keep busy, tend to handle what needs to be done, do not show their grief, their emotion, it does NOT mean they are not grieving.  It is hard to understand those that grieve the opposite to how you grieve.  Be kind, give space.
Some people write to their loved one, short daily notes or longer letters.
Others get value from reading about grief, expanding their knowledge, Alan Wolfelt is one of many great authors, with books that will address your specific loss, check out your local library.
Look for grief groups in your area, only those that have had a loss and espcially a similar loss can say, " I understand, I get it."  For many a grief group was the best thing they could have done.
Don't be surprised how long grief lasts, I would say that my grief will never end, it will change, I can still live a joyful life.  Find the support and do the work to actively grieve, avoidance does not work. 
In our society so many people don't know how to support you, feel uncomfortable.  Don't be surprised when good friends aren't there for you.  I didn't judge, I shared with a few that I was hurt by their lack of support, asked for what I wanted, had a conversation, yes it was scary but worthwhile.  You choose, surround yourself with those that are positive in life, that are good to around, avoid the others. 
I can go on, but time to stop, hope has been some help.
Mike
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10 Apr 2020, 1:00 AM

Hi Mike
Really appreciate your comments. 'Be kind.' I think sums it all up well. To others and to yourself eh? 

I appreciate too that you were able to be open with people who 'weren't there for you'. That takes courage - but to do it helps those same friends to understand and then hopefully use that wisdom in the future. 

As well as the caring of good friends and family, I have found music and books great support. What about you Mike?

Take care
Katherine

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Reply by mgb
10 Apr 2020, 6:35 PM

Yes be kind to oneself so important, not natural to some, those personalities that are 'supporters" have trouble with self care, ability to say NO.  Have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others.  The best support for me was  a professional grief group, learn, share, normalize.
couldn't touch my guitar for six months, no passion for anything, nothing mattered, this of course changes as the grief journey progresses and I created the new normal.   Eventually start to "care" again, passion for music returns, can now sing and dance again, "without guilt" of enjoying myself.  Of course there are still, 8 years later, grief bursts, I don't avoid them, that hiden stress melts with a good release.
Katherine were do yuo live?  In Calgary by chance?  Would love to have a chat.  Not looking for support or any big discussion.  Sounds like you are well into your grief journey and are living your own new normal.  With Covid these days my ability to support others has been curtailed, as has those with fresh losses lost the ability to access support.  Would be interested in discussing any opportunities to volunteer. 
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10 Apr 2020, 8:00 PM

Hi 
I have been to Calgary:) but live in Winnipeg. Yes, Covid has interrupted so many things in our lives including volunteering. and as you say access to physical support for so many. I was just checking out Programs and Services  for Alberta and wondered if you were aware of these programs? I thought perhaps there would be opportunties even in this time of social distancing. 
I thought people on this thread might be interested in Grief does not move in a straight line. Not becuase I started it:) but for the words of people who contributed at the time. 

Take care
Katherine
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