Support from other grieving people can play such an integral role in our grief journeys. Being able to talk with people who 'get it' can bring us comfort. Witnessing those who are just a little further along in their grief story can inspire us to know that it is possible to not only live after loss, but to experience bits of joy in that life as well.

As a part of the wrap-up to the Christmas season, as well as a wrap-up to 2021, I decided to get 4 amazing moms together to talk just about this and to show how slowly and surely, things do change over time when we allow ourselves to work through our grief. Today, we have a chat with Demetra (1 yr after the death of Eleni), Chrisy (2 yrs after the death of Caleb), me (3 yrs after from the death of Andy), and Laura (4 yrs after the death of Luke). The pain is still strong, surely. We mourn our children each day, but over time, the pain softens a bit, and joy begins to sneak back in in little ways.

Slowly, a few good days begin to sneak in, and then the good days start outnumbering the bad. Living each day starts to become just a little less heavy, the pain less sharp. If you are interested in working through your grief with other bereaved people in 2022, I encourage you to look for a support group in your area. If you are interested in a virtual (or in person in west Michigan) Christian-based support group, email Stephanie at [email protected]. A new session, (which I facilitate) starts in early February. Hopefully, 2022 can bring each of us a little bit of peace and hope for the future.