Well-meaning people often ask someone who is grieving, “Are you doing better?” I’m never quite sure what they expect us to say. Better than what? Better than yesterday? Better than the day our loved one died? Better enough that everyone else can stop worrying about us? A cascading waterfall gracefully flows over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and natural oasis. Some grievers are deeply offended by the question, and I understand why. About f

The first year after losing someone you love is often a blur. You may be operating on shock, numbness, and pure survival instinct. There are arrangements to make, paperwork to handle, belongings to sort through—or avoid—and an endless series of “firsts” to face. The first birthday without them. The first holiday. The first anniversary. Scenic view of lush greenery and modern buildings under a clear blue sky, with a mountain range in the backdrop creating a picturesque landsca

There are so many reasons to grieve, and not all of them involve death. Sometimes we grieve someone who is still very much alive but is no longer part of our life. A vibrant rose garden in full bloom on a sunny day, showcasing a variety of colorful roses surrounded by lush greenery and manicured pathways. I once had a best friend who helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life—the five and a half years of my son’s diagnosis and grueling cancer treatments. We